F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli joins McLaren as test and development driver

Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has been signed to McLaren's driver development programme, and will occupy a role as the Formula 1 team's test and development driver.

Fornaroli secured back-to-back F3 and F2 titles, following in the footsteps of Gabriel Bortoleto - another former McLaren development prospect - by winning the F3 title with Trident in 2024, before taking the F2 title with Invicta this year.

The Italian forged his path to a successful F2 championship bid without backing from an F1 team's junior programme, and got his title over the line in Qatar after finishing second in the Sunday feature race.

His achievements in junior categories, characterised by a consistent approach, have now brought him to the attention of McLaren. The Woking squad had space in its junior roster after the mid-season departure of Alex Dunne from its development squad.

There is a possibility that Fornaroli could be drafted into the team's line-up for FP1 in Abu Dhabi, as Oscar Piastri has to give up his seat one more time this year ahead of the championship finale. The team's pick for the opening Abu Dhabi session is currently unconfirmed.

"I’m incredibly proud to be joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme after another successful year on track," said Fornaroli.

Leonardo Fornaroli, Invicta Racing, Arvid Lindblad, Campos Racing, Dino Beganovic, Hitech TGR

"Winning both the FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles has been an important step in my journey, and I’m motivated to take the next step in my development through the programme as I work toward my ultimate goal of racing at the highest level.

"I’m very grateful to McLaren for this opportunity, and to everyone who has supported me throughout my career so far. I can’t wait to get started and work closely with the rest of the team."

McLaren has also added Richard Verschoor, one of Fornaroli's championship rivals, to its development programme. The Dutchman has been a frequent fixture in F2 across the past few years, and was briefly part of Red Bull's junior team during his days racing in the Formula Renault Eurocup.

Verschoor confirmed earlier in the year that the 2025 season would be his last in F2, having raced in the category since 2021.

Spanish karting champion Christian Costoya also joins McLaren's junior programme, who will race at the F4 Middle East Championship's season opener at Yas Marina in January.

"It is a key priority that we continue to develop our talent pipeline to provide options for all of our expanding racing teams," said McLaren's driver development chief Alessandro Alunni Bravi.

"We look forward to working closely with all our drivers in 2026 as they continue their individual development at various stages of their career with the support of the programme through a wide range of testing and progression opportunities across all of our racing series."

Read Also:

Martin Brundle: Papaya rules not to blame for McLaren Qatar GP blunder

What's behind Alex Dunne's McLaren F1 exit and Red Bull rumours

To read more Motorsport.com articles visit our website.