Getting to Know McLaren Reserve Driver Leonardo Fornaroli

Leonardo Fornaroli has built one of the most compelling résumés in junior single-seater racing, capturing the FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships in successive seasons.

Early Life and Karting Foundations

Leonardo Fornaroli was born in Piacenza, Italy, and began his motorsport journey in karting at around ten years old. He quickly showed natural ability, winning the Mini Academy class of the Championkart championship in 2016. His steady rise continued through the ranks, culminating in a runner-up finish in the 2019 WSK Euro Series, a result that marked him out as one of Italy’s most promising young drivers.

First Steps in Single-Seaters

Fornaroli made his single-seater debut in 2020 with Iron Lynx in the Italian Formula 4 Championship. While his rookie campaign produced no victories, two podium finishes and ninth overall demonstrated solid potential. He returned stronger in 2021, again with Iron Lynx, finishing fifth in the standings with a race win, two pole positions and seven podiums.

In 2022, he broadened his experience by competing in both the Formula Regional Asian Championship and the Formula Regional European Championship. Though neither campaign delivered standout results, the season proved valuable in developing his racecraft and adaptability.

Interview: 5 minutes with Leonardo Fornaroli

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Learning Year in Formula 3

The move to FIA Formula 3 in 2023 with Trident marked another key step. On paper, the season looked modest, with Fornaroli finishing 11th overall. However, flashes of speed were evident, including a pole position and three podiums, highlighted by a second-place finish in the Monaco Sprint Race. It was a formative year that laid the groundwork for future success.

Formula 3 Champion Breakthrough

Everything came together in 2024. Remaining with Trident, Fornaroli delivered a season built on consistency rather than outright race wins. Seven podiums, including a second place in the Monza Feature Race on home soil, kept him firmly in title contention. The championship was decided in dramatic fashion, with a last-corner, last-lap overtake sealing the Formula 3 crown ahead of fellow Italian Gabriele Minì.

Dominating Formula 2 in 2025

Fornaroli stepped up to FIA Formula 2 in 2025 with Invicta Racing and produced the most complete season of his career. Known for his calm demeanour, technical understanding and exceptional tyre management, he claimed four victories, two pole positions and nine podiums. The title was secured in Qatar on 30 November, confirming him as one of the standout drivers of his generation.

By winning the Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships in successive seasons at the first attempt, Fornaroli joined an exclusive group alongside Charles Leclerc, George Russell (both GP3 winners), Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto.

McLaren Opportunity and Formula 1 Pathway

In December 2025, Fornaroli joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme. While a full-time Formula 1 seat has yet to materialise, he will take on a Reserve driver/Test and Development role alongside IndyCar star Pato O’Ward within McLaren’s Formula 1 structure, gaining invaluable experience with the back-to-back Constructors’ Champions.

Italy’s Next Rising Star

With Kimi Antonelli already returning Italy to the Formula 1 grid, Fornaroli is widely tipped as the nation’s next major prospect. His steady progression, combined with back-to-back junior titles, shows his credentials as a future Formula 1 driver, and suggests his journey at the top level may only just be beginning.

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