McLaren confirms new driver lineup for Formula 1
McLaren has announced its complete driver roster for the upcoming season, with reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli elevated to reserve driver for the Woking team, reports BritPanorama.
The 21-year-old Italian, who has secured titles in both F2 and F3, will share his reserve driving duties with Mexican IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward.
Fornaroli is set to participate in an extensive testing and simulator programme as McLaren prepares for the new power unit regulations in Formula 1. “I’m thrilled to be stepping into an extended role with the McLaren Formula 1 Team as Reserve Driver as part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme,” said Fornaroli, reflecting on the opportunity to further his career in a competitive environment.
Additionally, the Woking-based squad has unveiled its full nine-driver development programme for the coming season, which includes some notable additions. Among these is Ella Hakkinen, daughter of double world champion Mika Hakkinen, who will undertake a rigorous Formula 4 single-seater testing programme in anticipation of future competition.
Joining her in this talent pipeline are Christian Costoya, Matteo De Palo, Ella Lloyd, Ella Stevens, Dries Van Langendonck, and Richard Verschoor. Both Van Langendonck and Costoya will transition to Formula 4, with Van Langendonck earning praise for his performance during last year’s European campaign.
Richard Verschoor, who finished third in the previous year’s Formula 2 standings, will also play a critical role in McLaren’s ambitions within the sportscar realm. The 25-year-old Dutchman has been assigned to compete in the European Le Mans Series with DUQUEINE Team, racing in the LMP2 category.
This initiative is part of McLaren’s strategic preparations ahead of their entry into the top class of the World Endurance Championship, scheduled for 2027. Verschoor will be involved in testing across McLaren Racing’s extensive portfolio, which includes IndyCar and WEC operations.
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, McLaren Racing’s chief business affairs officer, expressed confidence in the assembled talent. “We have selected an incredibly talented group of nine drivers, which shows the health of our talent pipeline,” he noted, highlighting the team’s commitment to cultivating professional racers across various disciplines.
McLaren has also reaffirmed its dedication to the F1 Academy series, entering two cars for Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens, thereby broadening opportunities for women in motorsport. The move signifies a progressive approach to nurturing new talent and enhancing inclusivity in racing.
As teams gear up for a new era in racing, McLaren’s ambitions reflect not only a commitment to competition but also a broader strategy of development — a reminder that the future of motorsport relies on both talent and opportunity.
