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Leonardo Fornaroli is stepping back into the cockpit for McLaren. The reserve driver will handle the team's final two mandatory rookie practice sessions for 2026, with outings lined up for both the Mexico City and São Paulo Grands Prix aboard the MCL40.
To prep for those upcoming sessions, the young Italian hit the track at the Circuit Paul Ricard in France last weekend. Clocking almost 350 kilometres on the Grand Prix layout, the 2024 F3 and 2025 F2 champion tackled his sixth F1 test with the squad. He focused on longer runs to simulate FP1 conditions and tested different setups in McLaren's 2025 double championship-winning MCL39. British racer Jake Hughes, who works as a test and development driver for McLaren, also drove the MCL39 during the test to aid his simulator development duties.
Fornaroli joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme just under a year ago. "I'm really excited to return to the MCL40 and do two more official Free Practice 1 sessions with the team," he said. Looking ahead to the tracks, he added: "The Mexico City and São Paulo Grands Prix are two great events, which will challenge me as a driver. Interlagos is a historic circuit with lots of mixed technical corners, and the altitude in Mexico City will definitely be a new physical challenge for me. It's a great opportunity for my own development, and to also help the team over their weekend."
Reflecting on his run in France, Fornaroli noted: "This test at Circuit Paul Ricard was really beneficial. It's been a few months since I was in an F1 car, so it was good to get back into it ahead of Mexico. This track is also really fun to drive, and of course driving the MCL39 for the first time made it even better. To drive a double championship-winning car was really cool."
He also expressed gratitude to the organization, stating: "Thank you to the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team for giving me these opportunities, and to everyone in the McLaren Driver Development Programme for their guidance and continued support. I look forward to being back with the team in Mexico."
Beyond his immediate Formula 1 duties, McLaren have confirmed that Fornaroli's future with the manufacturer extends further. He will race for their new Hypercar team in the World Endurance Championship—including the 24 Hours of Le Mans—in 2027, all while keeping his F1 reserve driver role.
