F2 champion Leo Fornaroli tests McLaren F1 car again

Reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has been given yet another Formula 1 test by his McLaren team.

Long unaffiliated with any F1 outfit, Fornaroli eventually joined McLaren as a reserve driver after his F2 title success, having failed to find a seat in the world championship. He shares that role with IndyCar frontrunner Pato O’Ward.

McLaren has been giving the Italian youngster, who was yet to drive grand prix machinery, a comprehensive test programme in its 2023-spec MCL60.

Fornaroli completed 112 laps of the Barcelona track in March and covered 68 laps of the Silverstone circuit last month.

The 21-year-old was back in action this week on Wednesday and Thursday at Austin’s Circuit of The Americas. The Texan track was chosen due to Fornaroli attending the Canadian Grand Prix as the team’s reserve last week.

Fornaroli reached a 77-lap tally (equating to 425km or 264mi) at the home of the United States GP, as variable temperatures provided a diversity of grip conditions.

Leonardo Fornaroli, McLaren

Photo by: McLaren

“The run plan consisted of a mix of long and short runs, grid start procedures and formation lap practice,” McLaren detailed in a statement. 

“It’s always amazing to drive an F1 car,” Fornaroli commented. “I’m grateful to McLaren for giving me another opportunity to get behind the wheel of the MCL60.

“I’m getting more comfortable with the car and also the team. The run plan was a step up from my last test in Silverstone. We got to do some practice starts, which continued to give me a better understanding of what it takes to drive an F1 car in a session. Everyone in the DDP [driver development programme] continues to support and push me with these tests as I continue my development.

“This was my first time driving around COTA. I really enjoyed it, and I am already looking forward to my next opportunity in an F1 car. Until then, I’ll be supporting the F1 team in the simulator for the Monaco GP.”