After winning the FIA Formula 2 championship last year, Leonardo Fornaroli’s track activities in 2026 are focused on his role as a development driver at McLaren. The Piacenza-born driver has just completed a two-day TPC test at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya, covering over 500 kilometers. Throughout the year, Leonardo Fornaroli will continue to participate in similar testing activities alongside his work on the simulator in Woking.
Over 500 km at Montmeló in the MCL60: “Even though the cars are different from the current generation, accumulating kilometers is still important”
Leonardo Fornaroli, who joined the McLaren program last autumn, completed his first TPC test at the wheel of a McLaren car. The reigning F2 champion completed a total of 110 laps at Montmeló, driving the MCL60, McLaren’s 2023 car. Although the new-generation cars are very different from the previous technical cycle, Leonardo Fornaroli was able to familiarize himself with the inner dynamics of the Woking garage during on-track sessions, as highlighted by the official team statement.
“It was Leonardo’s debut in a Formula 1 car. He made good progress throughout the test, gaining valuable experience in multiple aspects of driving, including high- and low-fuel management. This test is part of Leonardo’s growth within the McLaren Driver Development Program, ensuring he is fully prepared for his role as McLaren Reserve Driver. Leonardo will continue to perform TPC tests throughout the year, in parallel with simulator work and on-track support,” the team confirmed.
An important step for the Italian driver
This marks an important step in the career of the Italian driver, who summarized his on-track experience after the session. “It’s an incredible feeling to drive an F1 car on track. The last two days have been amazing, and I’ve learned a huge amount across a wide range of aspects of F1 driving,” Leonardo Fornaroli commented. “Even though these cars are quite different from the current generation, accumulating time behind the wheel remains essential in my role as Reserve Driver. It also helps me correlate real driving with simulator work, which is an important part of my support role for the team. I want to thank everyone at McLaren for this opportunity. I’m excited to be back in the car and to continue growing as a driver. Now, my focus is on Japan, where I’ll support the team during the race weekend.”
Alunni Bravi praises Fornaroli’s qualities: “Consistency and quick learning ability”
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, McLaren’s Chief Business Affairs Officer, also commented on Fornaroli’s growth process. “The team is extremely pleased with Leonardo’s test in Barcelona. He made fantastic progress throughout the session, quickly familiarizing himself with Formula 1 while continuing to demonstrate the qualities we saw during his successful junior career: consistency and a rapid ability to learn and perform.”
The Italian manager highlighted the Piacenza driver’s qualities, emphasizing the continuous involvement Leonardo Fornaroli will have throughout the 2026 season. “Tests like these are crucial to ensure he is fully prepared as McLaren’s reserve driver, and for his ongoing development within our Driver Development Program. Congratulations to Leo for completing his first F1 test—it’s an experience he will never forget. We look forward to seeing his continued progress both in the car and on the simulator, while he will continue intensive testing throughout the year.”
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