McLaren has confirmed that Leonardo Fornaroli will remain its Formula 1 third and reserve driver for the 2027 season, while also preparing to make his debut in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) behind the wheel of the team’s new Hypercar. The decision gives the Italian driver a dual programme, allowing him to continue developing within Formula 1 while returning to competitive racing at the highest level.
For Leonardo Fornaroli, the announcement marks an important new chapter in his career. After spending time on the sidelines of competitive racing, the driver from Piacenza will have the opportunity to gain valuable race experience in endurance competition without abandoning his Formula 1 ambitions. McLaren’s new Hypercar project will therefore become a central part of his development throughout 2027.
Leonardo Fornaroli combines McLaren F1 reserve duties with 2027 WEC debut
McLaren has renewed its confidence in Leonardo Fornaroli by retaining him as its third and reserve driver for another Formula 1 season. However, his responsibilities will extend well beyond the F1 paddock, with the Italian set to compete in the World Endurance Championship as part of McLaren’s new Hypercar programme.
The British manufacturer is preparing to enter the championship’s top category with its MCL-HY Hypercar, opening a new chapter in the team’s international motorsport activities. For Leonardo Fornaroli, the opportunity represents a chance to continue learning within the McLaren organisation while also developing the skills required to compete in endurance racing.
Speaking to Motorsport Italia, Leonardo Fornaroli expressed his appreciation for the programme McLaren has provided and explained how much he has gained from his Formula 1 development work.
“The programme McLaren has given me this year is incredible. The TPC days I’ve completed with the team, the two FP1 sessions and all the work I’ve done in the simulator have been extremely important experiences. Every time I work with the team, I learn something new. I want to thank McLaren for the support and training they’re giving me.”
His preparation has included Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) sessions, free practice appearances and extensive simulator work. Those experiences have allowed Leonardo Fornaroli to strengthen his technical understanding and develop his relationship with McLaren’s engineers.
McLaren Hypercar presents a new challenge for Leonardo Fornaroli
The transition to endurance racing will require Leonardo Fornaroli to adapt to a very different competitive environment. Although his experience within McLaren’s Formula 1 programme has provided a valuable foundation, the World Endurance Championship introduces new demands in areas such as overtaking, race strategy and learning the characteristics of an unfamiliar car.
The Italian driver believes his Formula 1 preparation will be particularly useful as he begins working towards his WEC debut.
“All of this will also be very important for the WEC, because it’s a highly competitive category and there will be a lot to learn, from overtaking to strategies, as well as, of course, getting to know a completely new car.”
The opportunity also means that Leonardo Fornaroli will be able to return to regular racing while maintaining his involvement with McLaren’s Formula 1 operation. The combination of testing, simulator responsibilities and endurance competition is intended to support his continued development as a professional driver.
Leonardo Fornaroli describes first experience driving McLaren’s Hypercar
As part of his preparations, Leonardo Fornaroli has already had the opportunity to experience the McLaren Hypercar on track, although his initial outing was extremely limited. The Italian completed just one lap during his first run, covering only a handful of kilometres.
Despite the short distance, the experience was memorable because it introduced him to the very different environment of a closed-cockpit prototype.
“It was a great experience. Getting into a closed cockpit for the first time, shutting the door and setting off first using the electric system and then the actual engine was something completely new, but very, very enjoyable. I can’t wait to get back in the car and complete my first proper kilometres with the team.”
The new Hypercar will require Leonardo Fornaroli to become familiar with different systems and driving characteristics from those of the single-seaters he has previously raced. His first outing offered only a brief introduction, but it has already increased his enthusiasm for the programme.
McLaren’s preparations for the 2027 World Endurance Championship are continuing as the team works towards its return to top-level endurance competition. The 2027 WEC calendar will take the new Hypercar project to some of motorsport’s most demanding circuits, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
For Leonardo Fornaroli, the coming season promises to be an important step in his career. Remaining part of McLaren’s Formula 1 structure while competing in a major international championship will allow him to continue gaining experience, develop new skills and demonstrate his abilities behind the wheel.
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