Fornaroli on testing for McLaren and pushing for a race seat
Leonardo Fornaroli, McLaren’s test and reserve driver, reflects on eight months of development work and early F1 track time as he targets a race seat in 2027.
Leonardo Fornaroli has spent eight months as a McLaren test and reserve driver, gaining experience ahead of a potential 2027 race seat. The 21-year-old Italian joined McLaren’s Driver Development Programme in December 2025 after winning back-to-back F3 and F2 titles in 2024 and 2025. His F1 debut came in March during a Testing of Previous Cars session in Barcelona, followed by a Free Practice 1 outing in June, where he finished fifth-fastest. Fornaroli has since completed additional testing with Haas and McLaren, while supporting race drivers Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.
Fornaroli described his time with McLaren as “very helpful,” highlighting simulator work, TPC sessions, and Friday support duties as key to his development. His first FP1 in Barcelona provided limited running but focused on delivering aerodynamic data for the team. He praised McLaren’s professional environment and the support from the Driver Development Programme, noting the transition from junior categories to F1 has been intense but rewarding. Fornaroli acknowledged the increased workload and responsibility compared to F2 and F3, where teams are smaller and operations less complex.
Speaking ahead of F1’s summer break, Fornaroli outlined his plans for the remainder of 2026, including more TPC and FP1 sessions, simulator work, and Friday support duties. He emphasized learning from Piastri and Norris while aiming to maximize track and paddock time. Fornaroli’s back-to-back junior titles and early F1 performances have fueled speculation about a potential promotion to a race seat in 2027, with McLaren CEO Zak Brown recently stating he believes Fornaroli is “worthy of being in F1.”
Fornaroli confirmed he views a 2027 F1 race seat as a realistic goal, though he remains focused on his current role. He acknowledged the long and challenging journey, crediting his family and McLaren’s support for his progress. Fornaroli is set to return to duty for the Dutch Grand Prix on August 21–23, continuing his path toward securing a full-time F1 position.