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Fornaroli’s McLaren Test Drive Sparks Push for Race Seat
Highlights
- Leonardo Fornaroli joined McLaren’s Development Programme in December.
- He debuted in FP1 during the Spanish Grand Prix, June 2026.
- Fornaroli tested with Haas in TPC sessions at Jerez.
- McLaren CEO Zak Brown supports Fornaroli’s F1 promotion chances.
- He plans more simulator work and FP1 outings for 2026 season.
- Fornaroli aims for a full-time F1 seat in 2027.
Leonardo Fornaroli’s first eight months in McLaren’s programme mark a methodical push toward a 2027 Formula 1 seat. The 21-year-old couples FP1 mileage with TPC running and deep simulator work.
His rise follows consecutive F3 and F2 titles in 2024 and 2025. That trajectory matches recent graduates who converted junior dominance into F1 readiness.
Fornaroli’s first F1 outing came in March at Barcelona under Testing of Previous Cars regulations. He then logged a fifth-fastest time in FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix in June, before further running with Haas at Jerez and a second FP1 appearance at the Hungarian Grand Prix.
Inside McLaren, he assumes reserve duties and regular Friday support tasks. Simulator correlation has been central, sharpening his preparation and integrating him with engineering groups.
Fornaroli set the fifth-fastest time on his FP1 debut at the Spanish Grand Prix.
The step to F1 increases intensity and operational scale. Fornaroli cites previous title campaigns as good conditioning for pressure, process discipline, and multi-department coordination.
TPC days remain pivotal within current testing limits, letting drivers run older-spec cars for procedures and feedback quality. That complements McLaren’s development priorities, including its ongoing upgrade plan and adaptation to the evolving F1 rules landscape.
Multiple TPC outings with McLaren and Haas have broadened Fornaroli’s feedback range and adaptability.
The remainder of 2026 should bring more TPC mileage and additional FP1 sessions. He will expand simulator hours and continue close work with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to refine execution.
Zak Brown publicly endorses his credentials, arguing Fornaroli merits a place in Formula 1. A future pairing with Kimi Antonelli would create an all-Italian storyline on the grid.
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McLaren CEO Zak Brown says Fornaroli “deserves a place in Formula 1.”
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Fornaroli targets a full-time seat in 2027, while using 2026 to bank experience and credibility. With the season resuming at the Dutch Grand Prix in late August, his audition phase continues to gather momentum.
Visual Summary
🏁 F3 Champion
2024
2024
F2 Winner
2025
2025
First F1 Test
➔ March 2026
➔ March 2026
FP1 Debut
➔ P5 in Spain
➔ P5 in Spain
Reserve/Dev Role
with McLaren
with McLaren
F1 Seat?
2027 Goal
Fornaroli’s F1 Rise 🚀
⬆️
From double champion to F1 hopeful—Fornaroli climbs the mountain with McLaren.
Championship legacy
+ F1 test wins
+ Faith from Zak Brown
= Ready for the grid
Learning, growing, and thriving—Fornaroli’s passion and preparation have him on the brink of Formula 1. Next stop: a full-time F1 seat?
Daniel Miller reports on Formula 1 Grand Prix weekends with race-day analysis, team-radio highlights, and point-standings updates. He explains power-unit upgrades, aerodynamic developments, and driver rivalries in straightforward, SEO-friendly language for a global F1 audience.
