In a significant announcement for the upcoming Formula 1 season, McLaren has confirmed that Leonardo Fornaroli will step into the role of Reserve Driver for 2026. This appointment follows Fornaroli's triumph as the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Champion, a feat that positioned him within McLaren's Development Programme last season.
"I’m thrilled to be stepping into an extended role with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as Reserve Driver as part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme," said Fornaroli, expressing his excitement about the new opportunity.
The young Italian driver reflects on the importance of this role, indicating his eagerness to make a meaningful impact. "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 this opportunity," he added.
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Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who serves as the Chief Business Affairs Officer for McLaren Racing, emphasized the significance of their Driver Development Programme. "The team are pleased to confirm its Driver Development Programme line up alongside their racing and testing programmes for 2026," he stated.
Bravi further elaborated on Fornaroli's elevation within the team, asserting, "Within this, it’s great for Leonardo to step up into the Reserve Driver role for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as part of his development with us, with Pato O’Ward also continuing in this role."
This announcement highlights McLaren's commitment to nurturing emerging talent in motorsport. Bravi noted the impressive roster of drivers involved in the programme, saying, "We have selected an incredibly talented group of nine drivers, which shows the health of our talent pipeline."
McLaren's focus extends beyond F1, as they aim to foster talent across various racing disciplines. Bravi remarked, "We are all excited to see their development this season as we create professional drivers across all aspects of racing, progressing towards Formula 1, IndyCar and the team’s upcoming World Endurance Championship entry."
In essence, Fornaroli's promotion as a Reserve Driver not only marks a pivotal moment in his career but also aligns with McLaren's strategic vision for nurturing future champions. As the 2026 season approaches, both the team and Fornaroli are poised for a promising journey ahead, ready to contribute to McLaren's legacy in motorsport and further amplify their development schemes.
