Speculation surrounding one of Haas’ two seats for the 2027 Formula 1 season has once again moved into the spotlight. Speaking to AutoRacer about Leonardo Fornaroli’s recent TPC test at Jerez and the possibility of the Italian joining the team in the future, Team Principal Ayao Komatsu deliberately avoided making any firm commitments, while making it clear that the opportunity remains very much alive.
“At the moment we’re not making any decisions. We’re simply keeping our options open. There’s no rush, but Leo did a very good job.”
Although brief, Komatsu’s comments were enough to confirm that Leonardo Fornaroli remains under serious consideration, particularly at a time when Esteban Ocon’s long-term future at Haas appears far from guaranteed.
The French driver joined Haas with the objective of bringing experience and technical leadership to a team undergoing steady development. However, the internal comparison with Oliver Bearman, combined with the new direction established under Ayao Komatsu’s management, has inevitably raised questions about Esteban Ocon’s prospects beyond the current campaign. Speaking at the Red Bull Ring, Ocon himself declined to speculate on his future in 2027, insisting that his focus remains entirely on delivering results on track, while acknowledging that there would be “a lot of discussions” regarding his seat.
Komatsu: “Fornaroli is a credible driver”
As for Leonardo Fornaroli, the Piacenza-born driver currently serves as McLaren’s reserve and development driver. His first experience behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car came in March during a TPC outing at Barcelona.
That initial test was followed by several additional sessions in McLaren’s 2025 challenger before he was given the opportunity to drive the MCL40 during the first Free Practice session at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya.
Following Leonardo Fornaroli’s official Formula 1 session debut, McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella was full of praise for the young Italian.
“We gave Leonardo a number of tasks during the first part of his session because he had to carry out aerodynamic work for us using the aero rakes to help us understand the behaviour of the front wing. It wasn’t an easy assignment because he had to maintain a constant speed, but he completed the job with great professionalism and exceptional procedural accuracy. Once he was allowed to push, he proved to be very fast.”
However, McLaren’s appreciation went well beyond outright speed. What impressed the Woking-based team most was Leonardo Fornaroli’s technical feedback throughout each test, together with the maturity and adaptability he demonstrated every time he climbed into a Formula 1 car that was unfamiliar to him.
That confidence has translated into tangible support for his search for a full-time Formula 1 seat in 2027. McLaren even sent members of its own engineering staff to work alongside Leonardo Fornaroli during Haas’ TPC programme at Jerez on June 17 and 18, where the Italian completed further mileage in the team’s 2025 car.
For Haas, those tests represented the first real opportunity to evaluate Leonardo Fornaroli outside the McLaren environment and under conditions much closer to what he would experience as one of its own drivers.
“With his attitude, his speed and his consistency, Leonardo is an important prospect for Formula 1. We want him to race,” Andrea Stella explained.
“One day he could race for McLaren, but I believe we should work to ensure he has the opportunity to explore Formula 1 elsewhere as well.”
Given Andrea Stella’s reputation for being direct and measured in his public comments, those words carried considerably more weight than a simple gesture of encouragement. After all, McLaren’s race seats remain firmly occupied by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, leaving very limited opportunities for young drivers within the team’s own Formula 1 line-up. While programmes in IndyCar or the World Endurance Championship remain possible alternatives, it is clear that securing a Formula 1 race seat remains the primary objective.
Haas’ 2027 driver market becomes clearer
In recent days, the picture surrounding Haas’ driver market has become increasingly defined. As previously reported by AutoRacer, Lewis Hamilton will remain with Ferrari in 2027, with Team Principal Fred Vasseur confirming to Corriere della Sera that the seven-time World Champion will continue racing for the Scuderia next season.
That confirmation effectively rules out any possibility of Oliver Bearman earning a promotion to Ferrari in the immediate future. With the British driver therefore expected to remain at Haas through 2027, attention naturally shifts to the second seat currently occupied by Esteban Ocon, who, barring any unexpected developments, is widely expected to leave the American team at the end of the season.
Although several drivers remain in contention for a full-time Formula 1 opportunity—including Rafael Câmara, who could make the step up with the backing of the Ferrari Driver Academy as early as next season—Leonardo Fornaroli’s prospects continue to look increasingly promising.
Ayao Komatsu himself reinforced that impression.
“The primary purpose of our TPC programme is to provide opportunities for young drivers, and Leonardo is the reigning Formula 2 champion. He is a credible driver and has completed an excellent training programme under McLaren’s guidance.”
Competition for the available Haas seat remains fierce, but Leonardo Fornaroli appears to have established himself as one of the strongest candidates. With McLaren actively supporting his development and Haas openly acknowledging his qualities, the possibility of seeing another Italian driver on the Formula 1 grid as early as next season is becoming increasingly realistic.
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