McLaren Secures F2 Champion Fornaroli for Driver Development Program
Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has joined McLaren as a reserve driver and a key part of their new Driver Development Program. Having won both F3 and F2 as a rookie, Fornaroli's signing is a strategic move for McLaren to nurture future talent, preparing him for a potential F1 seat amidst the significant contract changes expected in 2026.
Newly crowned Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has joined McLaren as a reserve driver and will be a key part of the team's new Driver Development Program. This move positions the Italian talent for a potential Formula 1 future, leveraging McLaren's resources and the upcoming contract shake-up in 2026.
Why it matters:
After years of development, securing a back-to-back champion like Fornaroli, who also won the Formula 3 title as a rookie, is a major coup for McLaren. This signing not only bolsters their reserve driver pool but also strengthens their long-term driver pipeline, crucial for identifying and nurturing future F1 talent in a highly competitive landscape.
The Details:
- Fornaroli clinched the F2 title with a race weekend to spare in Qatar, marking his second consecutive championship after winning F3 last season, both as a rookie.
- This achievement places him in elite company alongside F2 rookie champions like Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Gabriel Bortoleto—all of whom progressed to F1.
- Like Piastri and Bortoleto, Fornaroli is one of the few to achieve rookie champion status in both F3 and F2.
- Despite his impressive track record, Fornaroli was not previously tied to an F1 team's development program, making his direct path to F1 less clear before this McLaren agreement.
- Reserve Driver Role: Fornaroli will serve as McLaren's reserve driver alongside Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, participating in mandatory FP1 sessions for rookies and the Testing of Previous Car (TPC) program.
- The TPC program allows drivers to gain valuable F1 experience using older machinery, preparing them for a potential Grand Prix debut.
- 2026 Opportunities: With most F1 contracts expiring at the end of 2026, a significant grid shake-up is anticipated, creating potential openings that Fornaroli can target after gaining sufficient F1 experience in the interim.
- McLaren Driver Development Program: Fornaroli's signing, along with Richard Verschoor and Christian Costoya, significantly boosts McLaren's revamped driver program, emphasizing the team's commitment to nurturing talent across various motorsport categories.
What's next:
Fornaroli will use the upcoming season to immerse himself in the F1 environment, gaining crucial experience through simulator work, reserve duties, and testing. His integration into McLaren's development program, coupled with the anticipated contract movements in 2026, positions him as a strong contender for a full-time F1 seat in the future, should he continue to impress and develop his skills within the team's framework.