Leonardo Fornaroli named as McLaren Reserve Driver

By Teagan Crump

McLaren and Leonardo Fornaroli have today announced that the young Italian will be stepping into the role of Reserve Driver ahead of the 2026 Formula One season.

📸: F1

Leondaro Fornaroli most recently competed in the 2025 Formula Two season with Invicta Racing and he went on to become champion. On the way to championship glory, Fornaroli claimed four wins and a further five podiums.

Prior to this season, the Italian driver won the 2024 Formula Three championship with Trident.

📸: FIA Formula Three

Fornaroli's 2026 racing plans have not yet been announced, but McLaren have stated that:

"Within his role as Reserve, Test and Development Driver, Leonardo will also undertake an intensive testing and sim programme to aid his development and provide invaluable support to the Formula 1 team in an unprecedented era of new regulations."

In response to the announcement, Leonardo Fornaroli said:

"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. 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."

McLaren Formula One are launching their 2026 Formula One car on February 9th, and the racing season commences in Australia on March 6th.