McLaren Signs F2 Champion Fornaroli to Revamped Junior Programme
McLaren has signed newly-crowned Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli to its restructured junior programme, granting him a test and development role within its F1 team. This strategic move follows a series of high-profile departures from McLaren's junior ranks, signaling a renewed focus on immediate F1 prospects. Fornaroli's back-to-back F3 and F2 titles make him a compelling addition, with expectations for potential F1 Free Practice opportunities as early as 2026. The Italian's unexpected rise positions him as a key figure in McLaren's future talent pool alongside other new additions.
Newly-crowned Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has joined McLaren's revamped junior programme, securing a test and development role within its Formula 1 team. This move comes as McLaren reshuffles its junior ranks, making several high-profile exits earlier this year.
Why it matters:
After a series of significant departures from its young driver roster, McLaren's acquisition of a reigning F2 champion signals a clear intent to inject fresh talent and a more immediate F1 prospect into its development pipeline. Fornaroli's rapid ascent through F3 and F2 makes him a compelling figure in the F1 junior landscape, offering McLaren a proven winner to nurture.
The Details:
- Fornaroli's Ascension: Fornaroli, who turns 21 this week, clinched the 2025 F2 title as a rookie with Invicta, following a Formula 3 championship win in 2024 with Trident. These back-to-back titles highlight his strong form in the top junior categories.
- McLaren's Roster Changes: The Italian's arrival follows a notable clear-out from McLaren's junior programme, including Alex Dunne, Martinius Stenshorne, and Ugo Ugochukwu. This created openings for new talent.
- Immediate F1 Prospects: Fornaroli's test and development role suggests potential Free Practice opportunities in 2026, a significant step for a driver who, despite his success, had not yet been formally attached to an F1 team.
- Other Additions: McLaren's latest intake also includes Richard Verschoor, currently tied for second in F2 points, and 15-year-old Spanish karter Christian Costoya. Verschoor, a former Red Bull junior, might be considered for McLaren's World Endurance Championship foray given his extensive F2 experience. Costoya, with a strong karting pedigree, is a longer-term F1 bet.
Between the lines:
Fornaroli's trajectory is unique; he was relatively under-the-radar for several years, with modest results in lower categories, leading to questions about why he hadn't been picked up by an F1 team sooner. His sudden breakout in F3 and F2, however, has dramatically altered his prospects. McLaren's decision to bring him in at this stage, after his proven success, shows a pragmatic approach to talent acquisition, valuing current performance over early-career impressions. This mirrors their previous success with drivers like Gabriel Bortoleto, who also joined an F1 junior scheme later in his junior career and then made a successful F1 transition.
What's next:
Fornaroli's inclusion provides McLaren with a solid, current F2 champion within its development programme. While 2026 is still some way off, the expectation is that Fornaroli will begin to integrate into the F1 team's operations, potentially setting the stage for future F1 outings. If he can continue his rapid progression, he could become a key component of McLaren's long-term F1 driver strategy.