2025 Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has completed a two-day test at the Circuit of the Americas for McLaren, driving the 2023 MCL60.
Reigning F2 champion Fornaroli joined the McLaren Driver Development programme at the end of 2025, having wrapped up the title in Qatar.
Taking on the role of Test and Reserve Driver, Fornaroli is required to drive in two tests year under the Testing of Previous Cars [TPC] rules.
In his first time driving around Austin, Fornaroli completed 77 laps across his two day run in McLaren’s 2023 challenger, the car that started the year as one of the slowest, and ended as one of the fastest.
How Leonardo Fornaroli “really enjoyed” his MCL60 outing
The test marked Fornaroli’s third outing for McLaren, which included practice starts, marked “a step up” from his last outing at Silverstone in April.
“It’s always amazing to drive an F1 car. I’m grateful to McLaren for giving me another opportunity to get behind the wheel of the MCL60,” he said in a statement released by McLaren.
“I’m getting more comfortable with the car and also the team. The run plan was a step up from my last test in Silverstone. We got to do some practice starts, which continued to give me a better understanding of what it takes to drive an F1 car in a session. Everyone in the DDP programme continues to support and push me with these tests as I continue my development.
“This was my first time driving around COTA. I really enjoyed it, and I am already looking forward to my next opportunity in an F1 car. Until then, I’ll be supporting the F1 team in the Simulator for the Monaco GP.”
McLaren clearly has faith in Fornaroli’s feedback both on-circuit and in the simulator, with the young Italian clearly outlining his goal of reaching the Formula 1 grid.
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