Leonardo Fornaroli: Set for McLaren FP1 Runs and 2027 WEC Move

McLaren reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli will drive the MCL40 during Free Practice 1 at the upcoming Mexico City and São Paulo Grands Prix, fulfilling the team’s final mandatory rookie sessions for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Testing the MCL39 at Circuit Paul Ricard

To prepare for his upcoming grand prix appearances, Fornaroli travelled to France last weekend. He joined McLaren’s Testing of Previous Cars team at the Circuit Paul Ricard, covering nearly 350 kilometres on the Grand Prix layout. Driving the 2025 double championship-winning MCL39 for the first time, the Italian driver focused heavily on longer runs designed to simulate FP1 conditions. British racer Jake Hughes, who works as a test and development driver for the team, also shared time in the MCL39 to gather reference data for simulator development.

Fornaroli already completed two earlier FP1 outings earlier this season at the Barcelona-Catalunya and Hungary rounds. Reflecting on his recent test, Fornaroli noted the value of getting back behind the wheel after a break of several months. Formula1.com, pitlanedaily.com, and f1-boxbox.com all confirm the details of his mileage at Paul Ricard and his transition into the 2025 title-winning car.

Facing Interlagos and Mexico City Challenges

The upcoming practice sessions present distinct physical and technical obstacles. Fornaroli pointed out that Interlagos is a historic venue featuring numerous mixed technical corners. Meanwhile, the high altitude of Mexico City will introduce a brand new physical test for the young driver. These sessions serve a dual purpose for his career progression.

“The Mexico City and São Paulo Grands Prix are two great events, which will challenge me as a driver,” Fornaroli said, as reported by formula1.com. He emphasized that the runs provide a great opportunity for his personal development while simultaneously helping the team gather critical weekend data.

Stepping Into the 2027 World Endurance Championship Hypercar Lineup

Beyond his current duties in Formula 1, McLaren has confirmed a major expansion of Fornaroli’s racing portfolio. Beginning in 2027, he will transition to race for the manufacturer’s new Hypercar team in the World Endurance Championship. This program will include a campaign at the prestigious 24 Hours of Le Mans. Even with this new endurance racing commitment, Fornaroli will maintain his ongoing responsibilities as a Formula 1 reserve driver for McLaren.

The scheduling of these rookie sessions and future endurance commitments arrives as teams balance young driver development mandates with complex car testing restrictions. Fornaroli has been part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme for just under a year, a backing that paved the way for his progression from junior formulae championships straight into elite-tier testing and future sports car racing.

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