McLaren signs reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli reserve driver

F1 Grand Prix, GP Mexico, Autódromo Hermanos Rodriguez

Having joined the Woking-based F1 outfit last season after securing the Formula 2 title, becoming part of McLaren’s Driver Development Programme, Leonardo Fornaroli has been appointed as the British team's reserve driver for the upcoming season.

Fornaroli's reserve driver position represents an expansion of that partnership, and the reigning Formula 2 champion said he is deeply appreciative of the opportunity.

Fornaroli stated that he is “thrilled to be stepping into an extended role with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as Reserve Driver as part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme,” adding that this marks “an exciting next step in my journey,” and that he is “looking forward to contributing to such a successful, Championship-winning team this season.”

The Italian also expressed gratitude by saying that he offers “a big thank you to Zak, Andrea and Alessandro for this opportunity.”

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Chief Businesses Affairs Officer at McLaren Racing, said the team is pleased to confirm its Driver Development Programme structure alongside its racing and testing plans for 2026.

He explained that “within this, it’s great for Leonardo to step up into the Reserve Driver role for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as part of his development with us, with Pato O’Ward also continuing in this role.”

Alunni Bravi added that McLaren has assembled “an incredibly talented group of nine drivers, which shows the health of our talent pipeline,” and noted that the organisation is “excited to see their development this season as we create professional drivers across all aspects of racing, progressing towards Formula 1, IndyCar and the team’s upcoming World Endurance Championship entry.”