McLaren Secures F2 Champion Fornaroli in Young Driver Program
McLaren has signed newly crowned FIA Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli, along with Richard Verschoor and karting star Christian Costoya, to its young driver program. This move provides stability for Fornaroli, who achieved an F3-F2 title double but lacked F1 affiliation, mirroring Oscar Piastri's path. McLaren aims to bolster its talent pipeline, investing in these promising drivers for future success.
McLaren has strategically bolstered its driver development program, signing newly crowned FIA Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli. The 19-year-old Italian, who achieved a rare F3-F2 title double, joins the team's ranks alongside fellow F2 frontrunner Richard Verschoor and rising Spanish karting star Christian Costoya, providing a much-needed affiliation for Fornaroli's promising career.
Why it matters:
After a season of dominating F2 without formal ties to an F1 team, Fornaroli's inclusion in McLaren's program provides him with crucial stability and a clear path forward. This move not only secures one of motorsport's brightest young talents but also reinforces McLaren's commitment to nurturing future F1 stars, mirroring the successful trajectory of current McLaren driver Oscar Piastri.
The Details:
- New Signings: McLaren has officially welcomed Leonardo Fornaroli, Richard Verschoor, and Christian Costoya to its Driver Development Programme.
- Fornaroli's Achievement: Fornaroli recently completed a rare F3–F2 title double, a feat previously achieved by Oscar Piastri, who is now with McLaren.
- Previous Lack of Affiliation: Despite his championship success, Fornaroli had no formal ties to any Formula 1 team until this announcement, creating uncertainty about his next career steps.
- Program Roster: The trio joins an existing group of young talents including Dries van Langendonck, Ella Lloyd, Matteo De Palo, Ella Stevens, and Ella Häkkinen.
- Team Statement: Alessandro Alunni Bravi, McLaren Racing’s Chief Business Affairs Officer, highlighted the drivers' race craft and impressive performances, emphasizing the priority of developing their talent pipeline.
- He noted that welcoming Costoya alongside Van Langendonck provides McLaren with two of karting's most promising talents.
- Strategic Investment: For McLaren, these signings are a strategic investment in securing future options for their expanding racing teams across various series.
What's next:
Fornaroli and Verschoor fill the spots left by Alex Dunne's recent exit from the program. Costoya is set to transition into single-seaters in 2026, debuting in F4 Middle East at Yas Marina, marking his entry into McLaren's long-term talent structure. Fornaroli expressed immense pride and motivation to continue his development with McLaren, aiming for the highest level of racing. This move provides clarity for his immediate future and solidifies McLaren's strategic approach to driver development for years to come.