McLaren Bolsters Driver Development with Three New Signings, Including F2 Champion Fornaroli

McLaren has announced three significant additions to its driver development program, including newly-crowned FIA Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli. These signings come on the heels of the surprising departure of current F2 driver Alex Dunne, who had previously participated in Formula 1 FP1 sessions with the team.

Why it matters:

McLaren's revamped driver development program signals a proactive strategy to cultivate future talent across various racing series. Securing top-tier prospects like Fornaroli, who has a strong track record of back-to-back championships, is crucial for a team consistently looking to feed its Formula 1 and other racing endeavors with a strong pipeline of competitive drivers. This strategic move could strengthen McLaren's long-term competitive position and ensure a steady supply of skilled racers for their expanding racing teams.

The details:

• Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning FIA Formula 2 champion, joins the program. He achieved back-to-back titles, following his 2024 FIA F3 crown, mirroring the path of current McLaren driver Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto.
• Richard Verschoor, the 2019 Macau F3 winner and a proven F2 front-runner, is also a new addition, bringing valuable experience to the stable.
• Christian Costoya, a 15-year-old FIA karting European champion from Spain, will make his single-seater debut in the 2026 F4 Middle East championship at Yas Marina, representing a long-term investment in raw talent.
• These three new drivers replace Alex Dunne, who unexpectedly departed the program earlier in the year despite having two promising FP1 outings in Formula 1, deputizing for Lando Norris in Austria and Italy.
• McLaren's Chief Business Affairs Officer, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, emphasized the importance of developing their talent pipeline to provide options for their expanding racing teams, highlighting the race craft and impressive performances of the new recruits.
• Fornaroli expressed his pride in joining the program, stating his motivation to advance his development towards his ultimate goal of racing at the highest level.

The big picture:

McLaren's driver development program is a critical component of its long-term strategy, designed to identify, nurture, and prepare young talent for the highest echelons of motorsport. The team's commitment to scouting and developing drivers from karting all the way through to Formula 2 demonstrates a holistic approach to talent management. This continuous investment ensures that McLaren remains at the forefront of identifying future champions, providing a clear pathway for progression within the organization, and maintaining a competitive edge across all its racing series.

What's next:

The newly expanded driver development team, which also includes Pato O

'Ward, Dries van Langendonck, Ella Lloyd, Matteo De Palo, Ella Stevens, and Ella Häkkinen, will continue to receive comprehensive support and opportunities. McLaren Racing aims to work closely with all its drivers in 2026, offering a wide range of testing and progression opportunities across its various racing series. The focus will be on the individual development of each driver, with the ultimate goal of preparing them for the demands of top-tier motorsport.