After making his Formula 1 FP1 debut with McLaren during the Barcelona Grand Prix weekend, Leonardo Fornaroli is set for another important opportunity in his development career. The reigning Formula 2 champion will drive the Haas VF-25 in a two-day TPC test at Jerez, giving both parties a chance to get to know each other better and evaluate possible future opportunities.
Haas opportunity arrives for Fornaroli
According to information gathered by Motorsport.com, Leonardo Fornaroli will take part in a test programme with Haas. The running is scheduled to take place on Wednesday and Thursday this week at the Jerez circuit as part of the American team’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme.
At this stage, there is nothing to suggest the test goes beyond a standard evaluation session. However, it represents a valuable opportunity for both Haas and the young Italian driver to deepen their understanding of one another and assess whether future collaboration could be possible.
McLaren praise after Barcelona FP1
During the Barcelona weekend, McLaren team principal Andrea Stella spoke highly of Fornaroli following his work in the FP1 session, highlighting the contribution made by the 21-year-old every time he is called upon by the team.
“I am very pleased with his attitude, his speed and his consistency,” Stella explained.
“Leonardo is definitely an asset for Formula 1 and we want him to drive. Certainly, in the future he could do so for McLaren Racing, but at the same time we are working together to explore all the opportunities that may arise in Formula 1.”
A busy period for the reigning Formula 2 champion
Fornaroli is currently going through one of the busiest periods of his young career. Alongside his simulator duties at the McLaren Technology Centre, he has recently moved from testing the 2023 McLaren MCL60 in TPC outings to driving the current MCL40 during the FP1 session at the Catalunya Grand Prix.
His next challenge will come at Jerez, where he will get behind the wheel of the Haas VF-25. It will be a completely new car for the Italian driver and will also mark his first experience with a Ferrari power unit, adding another important element to the evaluation.
According to Motorsport.com, Haas reserve driver Ryō Hirakawa is also expected to be on track alongside Fornaroli during the two-day test, giving the American team additional data and feedback as it continues its development programme.
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