McLaren has announced a major driver change for the 2026 Formula 1 season, with Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli joining the team as a reserve driver. Fornaroli, 21, will share the role with Pato O’Ward, who will continue to compete in the IndyCar series with Arrow McLaren. This move marks a significant step in Fornaroli’s career, who recently secured the F2 title and will bring valuable experience to McLaren’s driver development program.
Fornaroli’s appointment comes after a successful 2025 season, where he won the F2 championship, following his F3 title win. He expressed his excitement about joining McLaren, saying, “I’m thrilled to be stepping into an extended role with the McLaren Formula 1 Team as Reserve Driver as part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme”.
McLaren’s Chief Business Affairs Officer, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, praised Fornaroli’s talent, stating, “Within this, it’s great for Leonardo to step up into the Reserve Driver role for the McLaren Formula 1 Team as part of his development with us, with Pato O’Ward also continuing in this role”. The team also revealed its 2026 Driver Development Programme, featuring nine talented drivers, including Fornaroli and O’Ward.
The 2026 F1 season promises to be an exciting one, with McLaren fielding a strong driver lineup, including Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Fornaroli’s appointment as reserve driver adds depth to the team, ensuring they are well-prepared for any challenges that may arise.
McLaren’s decision to promote Fornaroli reflects their commitment to nurturing young talent and building a strong driver pipeline. As Fornaroli embarks on this new chapter, fans are eager to see how he will contribute to McLaren’s success in the 2026 season.
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