McLaren signs rising star Fornaroli as reserve driver after F2 triumph
McLaren has signed Leonardo Fornaroli as their reserve driver for the upcoming season. The 20-year-old Italian, fresh from winning the Formula 2 championship in his debut year, will also join the team's expanded Driver Development Program.
Fornaroli's path to Formula 1 has been less conventional than most. Unlike many young drivers, he was not part of an F1 team's junior program before securing this role. His success in Formula 2, where he followed in the footsteps of past champions like Charles Leclerc and Oscar Piastri, earned him this opportunity.
Fornaroli's signing adds depth to McLaren's driver lineup and reinforces their commitment to developing young talent. With his Formula 2 success and upcoming responsibilities, he is now positioned for a possible race seat in the coming years. The team's expanded program also provides a structured path for emerging drivers like Costoya and Verschoor.