F1 – Oscar Piastri to Red Bull? McLaren gears up Fornaroli
Italian driver Leonardo Fornaroli completes another day of testing at Silverstone, edging closer to his dream of Formula 1.
After years of dedication and impressive results, Leonardo Fornaroli drove a Formula 1 car for the first time at the end of March this year. Two days of testing in Barcelona provided the first taste of F1 for last year’s Formula 2 champion.
During those two days at the Spanish circuit, Fornaroli impressed McLaren’s engineers. Alessandro Alunni Bravi, head of the young driver program, praised Fornaroli’s performance during the March tests.
“The team is very satisfied with Leonardo’s test in Barcelona. He made fantastic progress, adapting to the F1 car incredibly quickly and continuing to demonstrate consistency as well as a rapid ability to learn and perform.”
Today, just a few weeks after his first test, Fornaroli completed a third day of testing with the Woking-based team at Silverstone. The future of the 2004-born driver will surely be painted in McLaren orange; it’s only a matter of time. Considering recent speculation about Oscar Piastri’s interest in Red Bull, Fornaroli’s arrival in Formula 1 could happen sooner than expected.
F1 2027 – Piastri leaving McLaren for Red Bull?
Due to the expiration of his contract, Oscar Piastri is expected to make a decision by mid-2026. McLaren’s management during last year’s title fight left a significant impression on the young Australian driver. Additionally, recent statements by Max Verstappen hinting at a possible retirement could draw Piastri closer to Red Bull. After reportedly turning down previous offers from Ferrari and Aston Martin (all to be confirmed), Oscar has few options if he wants to switch teams for the next season.
Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher believes that Piastri could move to Milton Keynes. Speaking about the McLaren drivers’ situation, Ralf Schumacher said: “Yes, they don’t have a clearly defined number one, and last year the pressure was really intense, which is why the manager is rarely on site at the moment.”
“Mark Webber, in my opinion, took the wrong approach and stressed his driver more than he helped him; I believe there were already discussions happening behind the scenes. Webber has worked at Red Bull in the past, so he knows the team very well, and I can definitely imagine this happening.”
McLaren – Fornaroli would be the perfect replacement for Piastri
As a final note, Schumacher added a comment regarding Fornaroli’s potential arrival if Piastri leaves the team: “Yes, and McLaren would also have a plan B: last year’s Formula 2 champion.”
Fornaroli will serve as McLaren’s third driver during the 2026 season. However, the numerous tests the Italian driver is taking are a clear sign that the “papaya” team is keeping a close eye on the reigning Formula 2 champion.
If Piastri decides to switch teams for 2027, Fornaroli would be the right choice to replace him. His young age and incredibly rapid adaptability make him an ideal candidate for a future world champion.
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