Leonardo Fornaroli Set for FP1 in Hungary as McLaren Unveil Upgrades

Leonardo Fornaroli is gearing up for his second taste of Formula 1 practice as he prepares to drive McLaren's MCL40 at the Hungarian Grand Prix. Following his debut at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, the young Italian will replace Oscar Piastri for the first practice session at the Hungaroring.

Fornaroli, who has already claimed back-to-back titles in F3 and F2, is looking forward to this opportunity to gain more experience in F1 machinery. "I’m excited to get behind the wheel of the MCL40 again," he said. "Each session is a learning curve, and I aim to make the most of every lap to support the team’s weekend program."

The 21-year-old has been busy preparing for this moment, spending time in the simulator and at the McLaren Performance Hub in Woking. His commitment shows his eagerness to contribute meaningfully to McLaren's efforts.

Meanwhile, McLaren is set to introduce a "valuable package of upgrades" during the Hungarian GP. The team will be testing a new floor and various aerodynamic components, with a special focus on an experimental rear wing that was initially intended for the Austrian Grand Prix.

Randy Singh, McLaren's Senior Director of Racing, highlighted the challenges of the Hungaroring: "It requires a high-downforce setup and rewards confident driving. With hot temperatures and relentless corners, tyre management will be crucial."

The upgrades come as McLaren aims to close the gap to the front-runners. Singh emphasized the importance of these developments, stating, "In such a competitive season, every improvement counts. Our goal is to capitalize on what we have, maintain momentum, and set ourselves up well for the second half of the season."

All eyes will be on Fornaroli as he takes to the track on Friday, providing McLaren with valuable data while getting another step closer to his F1 aspirations.