Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has joined McLaren’s Driver Development Programme, leading a fresh intake of drivers to the Woking-based squad’s scheme.
The 20-year-old clinched the premier feeder series title in Qatar on Sunday, completing a back-to-back streak of titles, having won the Formula 3 championship last year.
Fornaroli has been somewhat of an outlier in terms of his personal development, given that he has not been affiliated to an F1 team.
But McLaren’s announcement ensures that he is now fixed with one of the sport’s top outfits, enabling him a chance to flex his burgeoning but already considerable talents.
2026 will see Fornaroli commence a role as a test and development driver, affording him a possibility of TPC testing throughout the campaign.
In a statement, the Italian said: “I’m incredibly proud to be joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme after another successful year on track,” Fornaroli said.
“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.”
F2 veteran Verschoor joins Fornaroli at McLaren to help complete new young line-up
One of Fornaroli’s F2 title challengers, Richard Verschoor, has also been signed by McLaren to the programme.
At 24, the Dutchman is in his fifth season of F2, this year being his most successful, currently sitting third in the title with 170 points and with four victories to his name, the most recent being Saturday’s Sprint Race in Doha.
With the likes of Alex Dunne and Taylor Barnard recently fleeing the organisation, both Fornaroli and Verschoor help remedy the gaping hole left by both youngsters, and add to the ever-growing list of other talents recently signed, including Ella Hakkinen, daughter of double World Champion Mika.
“I’m delighted to be part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme,” Verschoor said.
“It’s a special moment, and I’m grateful for McLaren’s support in allowing me to continue my development within the programme. I’m excited to get going and work hard with the team in the coming months.”
The third new addition comes in the form of Christian Costoya. At 15, the Spaniard has the FIA Karting European Championship to his name, and is ready to compete in next year’s F4 Middle East Championship.
“I am very excited to join the McLaren Driver Development Programme and become part of their talent pipeline,” Costoya said. “It is great to get the team’s support and be in an environment that is known for developing great drivers. My thanks go to the McLaren team for this great opportunity.”
READ MORE – Leonardo Fornaroli claims F2 title, Victor Martins takes Feature win in Qatar
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