Leonardo Fornaroli Reflects on McLaren Testing and Eyes Full-Time F1 Seat

Leonardo Fornaroli has been busy making waves as a test and reserve driver for McLaren in 2026. Reflecting on his involvement with McLaren's Driver Development Programme, Fornaroli finds the past eight months invaluable, as he edges closer to achieving his F1 ambitions.

Since joining McLaren last December, Fornaroli's journey has been marked by notable achievements. Prior to his F1 involvement, he clinched back-to-back titles in F3 and F2 during the 2024 and 2025 seasons, joining the ranks of current F1 stars like Charles Leclerc and George Russell. His first taste of an F1 car came in March during a Testing of Previous Cars session in Barcelona, followed by his Free Practice 1 debut with McLaren at the same venue in June, where he impressed with a fifth-fastest time.

Fornaroli’s experience hasn't been limited to McLaren alone. He also conducted further testing with Haas at Jerez and made a second FP1 appearance with McLaren in Hungary, while taking on trackside responsibilities as a reserve driver. "A lot going on," Fornaroli summed up his eventful year with a smile.

In a chat with F1.com, Fornaroli expressed gratitude towards McLaren for their support, emphasizing how the team's professionalism has been instrumental in his development. "Everyone is very professional in the team, they love their job, and they’re trying to make me enjoy all the processes and all the work," he remarked.

Representing an F1 team comes with its challenges, especially when transitioning from smaller environments like F2 and F3. "It’s a different world," Fornaroli admitted, recognizing the increased responsibilities and intensity of work at the F1 level. Nevertheless, he feels well-prepared, thanks to the high standards of junior categories.

Looking ahead to the second half of 2026, Fornaroli is eager for more track time and paddock experience. "More TPC and FP1s coming, more hours in the simulator, more Friday support, and more work with Lando and Oscar," he noted, determined to make the most of his opportunities.

Fornaroli’s potential promotion to a full-time F1 seat in 2027 has been a topic of discussion, particularly after his test run with Haas. McLaren CEO Zak Brown is optimistic about Fornaroli's chances, describing him as "a great talent" and "definitely worthy of being in F1."

When asked if he sees F1 as a realistic goal, Fornaroli confidently replied, "Absolutely. We’re working on it, trying to make it happen. I’m focused now on the present and doing my job."

As Fornaroli gears up for the resumption of the F1 season with the Dutch Grand Prix, he reflects on his journey, acknowledging the challenges but also the satisfaction from his milestones. "We’re still not there, but after my first F1 test, my first FP1, and all the work that we’ve done, we’re all very happy and satisfied," he concluded.