The McLaren Formula 1 team has bolstered its driver line-up for the 2026 season, confirming reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli in a key support role.
Fornaroli's Path to Papaya
The 21-year-old Italian sensation, Leonardo Fornaroli, has been officially appointed as McLaren's primary reserve, test, and development driver. This marks a significant step for the young racer, who was not affiliated with any F1 squad during his championship-winning campaign in F2 last year. Fornaroli joins an elite group, having emulated the feat of drivers like Charles Leclerc and George Russell by securing consecutive F3 and F2 titles.
Fornaroli initially linked up with the Woking-based team towards the end of the 2025 season. His new contract will see him undertake an intensive programme of simulator work and testing, directly aiding the efforts of race drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
Expanded Driver Roster and Opportunities
McLaren has confirmed that IndyCar star Pato O'Ward will continue in his reserve driver capacity alongside Fornaroli. Furthermore, the team has brought in Dutch driver Richard Verschoor as a test driver, with a view to its planned World Endurance Championship entry in 2027.
A key perk of Fornaroli's role is participation in free practice sessions throughout the upcoming season as part of F1's young driver programme. This will provide him with invaluable track time in the latest machinery.
The announcement comes two months after Irish prospect Alex Dunne departed the McLaren set-up to pursue a race seat elsewhere, though he has yet to announce a new F1 affiliation.
Building on Championship Success
McLaren enters the 2026 season as the defending champion, having secured both the drivers' world championship with Lando Norris and the constructors' title last year. The team is set to unveil its new challenger for 2026 at a launch event in Bahrain on Monday 9 February, just two days before the second pre-season test gets underway.
The 2026 F1 world championship will commence on 8 March with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne. Fornaroli expressed his excitement about the new role, stating: "It's an exciting next step in my journey, and I'm looking forward to contributing to such a successful, championship-winning team this season. A big thank you to Zak, Andrea and Alessandro for this opportunity."
