Leonardo Fornaroli's McLaren Plan Revealed Before Mexico, São Paulo FP1 Sessions

Leonardo Fornaroli continues burning through stages on his path to Formula 1. The Italian driver and McLaren reserve driver will once again get behind the wheel of the MCL40 in the coming weeks to contest the last two mandatory free practice sessions for 2026 rookies. He will next appear at the Mexico Grand Prix and the São Paulo Grand Prix, two events he approaches with enthusiasm and the responsibility of fulfilling the British team's young-driver program.

To prepare for these two outings, Fornaroli joined McLaren's test team at the Paul Ricard Circuit last weekend, where he completed almost 350 kilometers in the MCL39, the car that won the double championship in 2025. It was his sixth test with the team and was focused on long runs, simulating FP1 sessions, in addition to testing different configurations: "I am very excited to return to the MCL40 and do two more official FP1 sessions with the team. The Mexico and São Paulo Grands Prix are two great events, which will challenge me as a driver. Interlagos is a historic circuit with many technical, mixed corners, and the altitude in Mexico City will definitely be a new physical challenge for me. It is a great opportunity for my own development and also to help the team during their weekend," the Italian declared.

Fornaroli, who joined the McLaren Driver Development Program just under a year ago, already accumulates solid experience in the orbit of Formula 1. Formula 3 champion in 2024 and Formula 2 champion in 2025, the young Italian has already contested two FP1 sessions this season, in Barcelona and Hungary, and will now complete the team's rookie quota in the two American events. His progression has been notable, and McLaren fully trusts in his ability to continue growing.

About the test at Paul Ricard, Fornaroli showed himself very satisfied: "This test at the Paul Ricard Circuit was really beneficial. It's been a few months since I was in an F1 car, so it was good to get back in it before Mexico. This track is also a lot of fun to drive, and of course, driving the MCL39 for the first time made it even better. Driving a car that won the double championship was great; thanks to the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 team for these opportunities, and to everyone in the McLaren Driver Development Program for their guidance and continued support. I look forward to returning with the team in Mexico," he added.

In addition to his role as a reserve driver in Formula 1, McLaren has announced that Fornaroli will race for its new Hypercar team in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while continuing with his work as a development driver in the top category. This double path reflects the team's confidence in his talent and versatility, and the Italian faces this new challenge with the same determination that has taken him to the top of the promotion categories.