Leonardo Fornaroli has completed his seventh and final Formula 1 test of 2026 with McLaren at the Circuito de Jerez, bringing his on-track testing programme for the season to a close. The Italian reserve driver expressed satisfaction with the progress he has made throughout the year and is already looking forward to an exciting 2027 campaign involving McLaren’s Formula 1 and Hypercar programmes.
Having completed his final testing commitments for the year, Leonardo Fornaroli can now reflect on an intensive development programme that has provided valuable experience behind the wheel of Formula 1 machinery. His next season promises to be even more demanding and stimulating.
Leonardo Fornaroli completes final 2026 McLaren F1 test at Jerez
Leonardo Fornaroli returned to the cockpit of the McLaren MCL39 for the team’s seventh and final Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session of 2026. The two-day programme at Jerez also featured Nyck de Vries, McLaren’s test and development driver, with both drivers sharing track duties.
Nyck de Vries completed 69 laps, covering 306 kilometres on the Grand Prix configuration of the Spanish circuit. The running provided valuable track time to support his responsibilities within McLaren’s development programme.
Leonardo Fornaroli arrived directly from Brazil, where he had participated in his fourth Formula 1 free practice session of the season. The Italian completed 58 laps at Jerez, covering a total distance of 254 kilometres.
The morning session began in wet conditions, giving Leonardo Fornaroli his first opportunity to test intermediate tyres. After a short break to allow the circuit to dry, he returned to the track on soft tyres before completing a series of long runs during the afternoon.
The programme also included evaluating different car set-ups and balance configurations, with the team adapting its work to the strong gusts of wind affecting the circuit.
McLaren development programme helps Leonardo Fornaroli prepare for F1
As part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, Leonardo Fornaroli has followed a demanding, personalised development plan throughout 2026. The objective has been to help the Italian accumulate experience in Formula 1 machinery while ensuring he remains prepared to step in whenever required in his role as reserve driver.
The TPC programme has also played an important role in preparing Leonardo Fornaroli for his four FP1 appearances during the season. These took place at Barcelona-Catalunya, the Hungarian Grand Prix, Mexico City and São Paulo.
His latest appearance in Brazil provided another opportunity to gain experience during an official Grand Prix weekend, with Leonardo Fornaroli taking part in the opening practice session at Interlagos before travelling to Spain for the final test.
The Jerez outing also marked the end of McLaren’s TPC activities for the season. During an intensive 2026 programme, the team conducted tests at Barcelona, Silverstone, Austin, Monza, Portimão and Paul Ricard.
McLaren additionally worked alongside Pirelli on tyre testing, visiting the Nürburgring and Mugello as part of its track activities.
Leonardo Fornaroli pleased with progress and excited about 2027
Reflecting on his final test of the season, Leonardo Fornaroli highlighted how much he has developed since his first experience in Formula 1 machinery earlier in the year. The Italian was particularly pleased with the opportunity to compare his latest performance with his initial TPC outing in Barcelona back in February.
Leonardo Fornaroli said: “It was fantastic to get back behind the wheel of the MCL39; it’s a really enjoyable car to drive. We focused on a programme similar to the one we completed at Paul Ricard, which included several long runs and different balance configurations; we also had the opportunity to run on intermediate tyres.
“This test at Jerez came immediately after my two FP1 sessions in Mexico City and São Paulo. It’s a really nice way to conclude my testing programme within the McLaren Driver Development Programme.
“I’ve had the opportunity to reflect and compare today with my first experience in an F1 car, which came during the TPC test in Barcelona in February, and I’m pleased with the progress I’ve made. I’ve improved a lot in my driving and my overall approach, thanks to the support the team has given me.
“Now I’m heading back to the United States to support the team during the final races of 2026, ahead of what promises to be an exciting 2027 with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team and the McLaren Hypercar Team.”
The upcoming season will therefore represent an important new chapter in Leonardo Fornaroli’s career, combining his continued involvement in McLaren’s Formula 1 activities with the challenges of the manufacturer’s Hypercar programme.
Nyck de Vries praises McLaren MCL39 after Jerez test
Nyck de Vries also expressed his satisfaction after returning to the track with McLaren. The Dutch driver completed his first TPC test of 2026 and highlighted the importance of gaining practical track experience to complement his work as a test and development driver.
Nyck de Vries said: “This is my first test with the TPC team for 2026. It’s good to be back working with the team, and what an experience driving the MCL39! It’s a significant car in the team’s history, and it was fantastic to take it out on track at Jerez.
“Thanks to the team: having track time is always valuable and directly supports the work I do in my role as a test and development driver.”
With its final TPC session completed, McLaren has concluded an extensive testing programme that has supported both driver development and its wider track activities throughout 2026. For Leonardo Fornaroli, the year ends with valuable experience gained, clear progress in his driving and the prospect of an even more demanding 2027 season.
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