McLaren’s driver development programme continues to cultivate promising talent for future Formula 1 contention. Leonardo Fornaroli, a highly-rated member of the academy, is currently generating speculation regarding a potential F1 debut in the 2027 season. His rapid ascent through the junior categories has marked him as a significant prospect.
Fornaroli joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme after a successful junior career. He secured the FIA Formula 3 Championship title in 2024, followed by the FIA Formula 2 Championship in his rookie season in 2025. These back-to-back titles underscore his competitive ability.
For the current 2026 season, Fornaroli holds the role of McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team Reserve Driver. He is actively involved in the team’s testing and development programme, having completed over 1000km in Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) sessions. This provides valuable F1 experience.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, McLaren’s Chief Business Affairs Officer and head of the Driver Development Programme, has praised Fornaroli’s progress. Bravi stated, ‘Leonardo is doing an incredible job. We are very, very happy about what he’s doing.’
The current McLaren Formula 1 lineup for the 2026 season consists of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Both drivers are under long-term contracts with the Woking-based team. Norris’s deal extends beyond 2025, likely covering the 2027 season.
Oscar Piastri’s contract with McLaren is secured until at least the end of 2028. This contractual stability means that a direct F1 race seat at McLaren for Fornaroli in 2027 is not immediately available.
This situation draws parallels to Charles Leclerc’s entry into Formula 1. Leclerc debuted with Sauber in 2018 on a loan agreement from Ferrari, gaining crucial F1 experience before joining the main Ferrari team. A similar pathway could be considered for Fornaroli.
McLaren’s commitment to its driver development programme aims to prepare its talents for the pinnacle of motorsport. Fornaroli’s continued performance and development will be key factors in determining his future opportunities within Formula 1.
