McLaren Taps Leonardo Fornaroli for Rookie FP1 Sessions
The 2025 F2 champion will drive the McLaren MCL40 during mandatory rookie practice sessions in Mexico and Brazil.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Motorsports
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McLaren has selected Leonardo Fornaroli to fulfill the team's mandatory rookie practice requirements for the 2026 season. Fornaroli will take the wheel of the McLaren MCL40 during Free Practice 1 at the Mexico City and São Paulo Grands Prix.
Why it matters
Formula 1 teams are required to field rookies in two practice sessions annually to provide young talent with vital track time in modern cars. This assignment serves as a critical bridge for Fornaroli as he progresses within the McLaren Driver Development Programme.
Fornaroli completed nearly 350 kilometres during a recent test at Circuit Paul Ricard to prepare for his upcoming duties. This performance follows his 2024 F3 championship and 2025 F2 championship victories.
The players
Leonardo Fornaroli
He is a rising racing driver who joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme in 2025.
McLaren
This is a British motor racing team that competes in Formula 1 and the World Endurance Championship.
The details
Fornaroli recently prepared for the outings by driving the McLaren MCL39 during a Testing of Previous Cars session at Circuit Paul Ricard. He joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme in 2025 and is already slated to transition to the McLaren Hypercar team for the 2027 World Endurance Championship.
Timeline
Leonardo Fornaroli won the F3 championship in 2024.
Leonardo Fornaroli won the F2 championship in 2025.
Fornaroli tested at Circuit Paul Ricard in October 2026.
Fornaroli will compete in Mexico City and São Paulo FP1 sessions in late 2026.
Fornaroli joins the McLaren Hypercar racing team in 2027.
Season Trajectory
This development follows the Formula 1 sporting regulations for mandatory rookie practice sessions which require teams to utilize younger drivers. The decision positions Fornaroli as a primary prospect for the team's long-term future in both F1 and endurance racing.
Fans should look for Fornaroli to occupy the cockpit in Mexico City and São Paulo, which will affect the regular driver's available data collection time during those weekends. His performance will provide a direct measurement of his readiness for a future F1 reserve or full-time seat.
The takeaway
Fornaroli's transition from F2 champion to F1 practice driver highlights the structured path required to reach the pinnacle of motorsport. Aspiring drivers should note how consistent success in junior categories creates clear opportunities for seat time in elite machinery.
Further reading
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