McLaren Signs F2 Champion Fornaroli to Development Program

McLaren has signed newly crowned Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli to its Driver Development Programme, bolstering the team's talent pipeline ahead of the 2026 season. The 20-year-old Italian, who clinched the F2 title last weekend in Qatar with a second-place finish in the feature race, will take on a test and development role with the Formula 1 team, including potential participation in free practice sessions and testing of previous cars.

Fornaroli's achievement marks back-to-back championships in Formula 3 and Formula 2, a rare feat shared by current McLaren driver Oscar Piastri and former junior Gabriel Bortoleto, now with Sauber. In 2024, Fornaroli won the F3 title through consistent performances without securing a race victory, claiming the crown at the final round in Monza. This year in F2 with Invicta Racing, he secured four wins and five podiums, wrapping up the championship one round early and outpacing rivals like Jak Crawford and Richard Verschoor.

The announcement ends a period of uncertainty for Fornaroli, who had progressed through the junior categories without formal affiliation to any Formula 1 team. His move to McLaren provides structured support, including...