F2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli Named McLaren Formula 1 Reserve Driver

McLaren has confirmed that 2025 FIA Formula 2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli will serve as a Reserve Driver for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team.

The Italian joined the Woking-based outfit last season following his Formula 2 title-winning campaign as part of McLaren’s Driver Development Programme. Fornaroli will now take on an expanded role with the team as he continues his progression toward Formula 1, an opportunity he described as a significant milestone in his career.

“I’m thrilled to be stepping into an extended role with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as a Reserve Driver through the McLaren Driver Development Programme,”

Fornaroli said.

“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 their trust and support.”

McLaren’s Chief Business Affairs Officer, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, welcomed Fornaroli’s promotion and outlined the wider ambitions of the programme.

“We are pleased to confirm the Driver Development Programme line-up alongside our racing and testing programmes for 2026,” Alunni Bravi said. “It’s great to see Leonardo step up into the Reserve Driver role for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as part of his ongoing development with us, with Pato O’Ward also continuing in this capacity.

“We have assembled an exceptionally talented group of nine drivers, underlining the strength and depth of our talent pipeline. We look forward to supporting their progress this season as we develop professional drivers across multiple disciplines, including Formula 1, IndyCar, and our forthcoming World Endurance Championship programme.”

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Written by

James Rees

A passionate motorsport journalist from Wales, with over 30 years of love for the sport. A dedicated father of three, working as a content manager, covering the fast-paced world of Formula 1, Formula 2, Formula 3, Formula E, and IndyCar.

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