Leonardo Fornaroli is moving closer to a potential Formula 1 debut with Haas in 2027, with Yuki Tsunoda emerging as the Italian driver’s main rival for the seat. The reigning Formula 2 champion could replace Esteban Ocon and partner Oliver Bearman, potentially giving Italy a second driver on the F1 grid alongside Kimi Antonelli.
According to information gathered by GP-News.net, negotiations between Haas and Leonardo Fornaroli are now approaching their final stages. The Italian remains part of McLaren’s programme, with the proposed arrangement seeing him effectively loaned to the American team to gain Formula 1 experience while continuing his development within the McLaren structure.
Leonardo Fornaroli closes in on 2027 Haas F1 seat
Kimi Antonelli’s extraordinary achievements are not the only reason for Italian motorsport fans to be optimistic about Formula 1. Looking ahead to 2027, Italy could be close to having another young driver on the grid in Leonardo Fornaroli.
Fornaroli won the Formula 3 championship in 2024 before following it with the Formula 2 title in 2025. McLaren subsequently signed him as a reserve driver, placing the Italian firmly on the path towards Formula 1.
The plan under consideration would see Leonardo Fornaroli take over Esteban Ocon’s Haas race seat for 2027 while remaining connected to McLaren. He would effectively be loaned to Haas so that he could continue his development in a full-time Formula 1 role alongside Oliver Bearman.
Haas has therefore become one of the key teams to watch in the developing 2027 driver market, which has already seen other long-term decisions made elsewhere on the grid, including Carlos Sainz extending his Williams contract beyond 2027.
Yuki Tsunoda emerges as Fornaroli’s main rival at Haas
Fornaroli’s biggest obstacle at present appears to be Yuki Tsunoda. The Japanese driver has recently returned to racing with Racing Bulls after Liam Lawson was temporarily promoted to Red Bull to replace the injured Isack Hadjar.
Tsunoda’s performances since stepping back into the Racing Bulls car are believed to have impressed Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu and other senior figures within the American squad. Haas has historically valued having at least one driver with significant Formula 1 experience in its line-up, a factor that could work in Yuki Tsunoda’s favour.
The Japanese driver therefore represents a very different option from Leonardo Fornaroli. While the Italian would offer youth, recent success in the junior categories and long-term development potential, Tsunoda could bring several seasons of Formula 1 experience if Haas decides to change its driver combination for 2027.
Haas decision could come in the coming weeks
Marc Limacher of businessbookgp.com has reported that Yuki Tsunoda and Haas already held talks at Zandvoort, adding another element to the battle for the potential vacancy.
The situation could be resolved over the coming weeks. For Italian motorsport, the hope is that Kimi Antonelli could soon be joined by another young talent capable of generating excitement after years in which Italian representation at the front of Formula 1 was limited.
Fornaroli’s consecutive Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships have put him in a strong position, but Tsunoda’s experience means the Haas decision is not yet settled. With Oliver Bearman expected to form part of the team’s plans, the remaining question is whether Haas chooses another young prospect in Leonardo Fornaroli or turns to the more experienced Yuki Tsunoda for its 2027 line-up.
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