Replacing Lando Norris for the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, Reigning Formula 2 champion, Leonardo Fornaroli, will get behind the wheel of the MCL40.
Regulations dictate that every F1 team must put a rookie driver in the car for four Free Practice 1 sessions each season. Fornaroli is the first for McLaren.
The young Italian joined the McLaren Development Programme after winning back-to-back titles in F2 and F3. He was just the third driver to take this step, following Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto. Both of whom have ties to McLaren.
Fornaroli also acts as the team’s reserve driver for the 2026 season. Sepaking about driving the MCL40, he said:
“I’m very excited to drive the MCL40 this weekend in the Barcelona-Catalunya FP1 session.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity to help the team with their preparations and to work through the planned Friday programme. This is going to be a very important mission for me because it’s going to be my first official Formula 1 session. It’s something I’ve worked through for a long time, so very excited for it.
“All the experience I’ve gained through the previous TPC days so far was very important for my development, so a big thank you to Zak, Andrea, Alessandro, and to all the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team. Can’t wait for this weekend!”
Previous testing
While the Italian has taken part in many development programmes, including extensive Testing of Previous Cars (TPC), simulator work and trackside support, this outing in Barcelona will mark his first time in contemporary F1 machinery.
His tests have been in the 2023 car, meaning the new 2026 regulations and handling will be new to him. However, they are a valuable test for both Fornaroli and McLaren.
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