Leonardo Fornaroli believes his growing mileage in Formula 1 machinery is steadily improving both his driving and confidence as he continues preparing for a possible place on the 2027 grid. The Italian has completed several Testing of Previous Cars sessions and rookie FP1 outings with McLaren, while hoping he could join Kimi Antonelli as a second Italian Formula 1 driver next season.
The Piacenza-born driver is doing everything he can to prepare for that opportunity. Alongside his work with McLaren, the possibility of a future seat with Haas has also emerged as his Formula 1 prospects continue to develop. During the Monza weekend, Fornaroli met with members of the Italian media, including FormulaPassion, to discuss what he hopes will become the final stage of his journey towards a full-time Formula 1 drive.
Leonardo Fornaroli feels the benefit of McLaren TPC testing
Fornaroli has now completed several TPC sessions in previous-generation Formula 1 cars, the latest of them coming with McLaren at Portimão.
“I’m happy with how it went and with how I worked with the team,” Leonardo Fornaroli said. “The team seems very satisfied with the work we did together. I can only be happy with what I did. Now the decision is up to them.”
The Italian believes the accumulated mileage is making a noticeable difference every time he steps into Formula 1 machinery.
“Obviously I feel more confident, because these are complicated cars to drive. You need some mileage before you feel 100% confident, and every TPC is a step forward. I’m continuously improving my driving and my confidence with Formula 1 cars, and I’m happy about that.”
For Fornaroli, each outing is therefore about much more than simply adding laps. The TPC programme gives him the opportunity to become accustomed to the complexity, performance and working methods required at Formula 1 level while demonstrating his capabilities to McLaren.
Rookie FP1 sessions provide another important step towards Formula 1
Those private tests have been complemented by two Formula 1 free-practice appearances with McLaren this season, with further sessions scheduled before the end of the year.
“I’m happy with how the previous FP1 sessions went,” Leonardo Fornaroli explained. “I tried to give the best feedback possible to the team and provide them with as much data as I could to help them.”
Delivering useful technical feedback is one area in which Fornaroli is learning directly from Lando Norris. The Italian particularly admires the precision with which the McLaren driver communicates the behaviour of the car to his engineers.
“He’s really precise. He tries to identify every small problem he can explain to the engineers so he can give them as much information as possible. I’m trying to take inspiration from him from that point of view.”
That quality has also been an important part of Lando Norris’ development as a Formula 1 driver, with Fornaroli now able to observe his approach closely from inside the McLaren environment.
Fornaroli proud that he never gave up on his F1 ambition
Leonardo Fornaroli also reflected on the path that has brought Formula 1 within reach and was clear about the aspect of his career that gives him the greatest pride.
“The fact that I never gave up, that I always tried to pursue perfection and get back up after difficult moments, especially during my first year in Formula 3, trying to work on improving myself physically, mentally and in terms of my driving.”
“I maintained that approach last year in Formula 2 and I’m continuing with it this year with the help of the McLaren team.”
The hope now is that the same persistence can help secure Fornaroli a position on the Formula 1 grid in 2027.
Could Fornaroli join Kimi Antonelli on the 2027 F1 grid?
Fornaroli’s ambition carries additional significance for Italian motorsport. If he earns a full-time drive for next season, he could join Kimi Antonelli and give Italy two representatives on the Formula 1 grid in 2027.
For now, however, his immediate task remains unchanged: accumulate mileage, improve his understanding of Formula 1 machinery, provide increasingly precise technical feedback and make the most of every opportunity McLaren gives him. After several TPC tests and rookie practice sessions, Fornaroli believes that process is already producing clear progress.
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