McLaren gives F2 champion Leo Fornaroli several F1 tests

McLaren reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli has completed his first Formula 1 tests, covering more than 900km (560 miles) with the team’s 2023 machinery.

The reigning Formula 2 champion failed to find a seat in the world championship for 2026 and settled for a reserve role at McLaren – that was the first time he associated with an F1 team.

The Woking-based outfit swiftly gave Fornaroli his first outings in grand prix machinery. The 21-year-old Italian drove the MCL60 on 23-24 March at Barcelona, completing 112 laps (512km) and earning praise from McLaren.

“He made fantastic progress throughout, getting to grips with the F1 car incredibly quickly, and continuing to demonstrate the traits we’ve seen throughout his successful junior career of consistency and his rapid ability to learn and perform,” McLaren chief business affairs officer Alessandro Alunni Bravi said of Fornaroli’s outing.

“Tests like these are vital in ensuring he’s prepared as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team’s reserve, as well as for his development within our driver development pathway.”

Leonardo Fornaroli, McLaren Reserve Driver

Photo by: McLaren

Fornaroli then took to the track on 7 April at Silverstone, covering 68 laps (393km), with the squad describing his programme as ‘longer runs, lower fuel loads, and a mix of hard and soft tyres’.

The youngster has therefore completed nearly three grand prix distances in F1 machinery.

“Another good day on track – it was amazing to be back in the MCL60,” Fornaroli said. “Silverstone is one of my favourite circuits, so I’m grateful to McLaren for the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car there. 

“With it being my second test, the run plan was more advanced, so I got to try some different set-ups and run with different levels of fuel, which continues to support my understanding of driving a Formula 1 car. I’m very happy with today, and I continued to make improvements from my test a few weeks ago, getting even more comfortable with these machines.”

McLaren has announced Fornaroli will enjoy further outings ‘at a variety of different circuits’ while he supports the team’s effort both trackside and in the simulator.