Reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has once again been allowed to complete a Formula 1 test in the service of McLaren. The young Italian, who after his title in the junior category did not manage to secure a seat in Formula 1, was taken on by the team from Woking as a reserve driver and is part of a shared role with IndyCar driver Pato O’Ward. He has already covered many kilometers in the 2023 MCL60.
McLaren has given the 21-year-old Italian an extensive test program; in March he completed 112 laps in Barcelona and last month another 68 laps followed at Silverstone. This week the program continued at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin, where he drove a total of 77 laps on the Texan asphalt on Wednesday and Thursday. The circuit had changing conditions, allowing Fornaroli to experience different levels of grip. “The training program consisted of a mix of long and short runs, start procedures, and practicing formation laps,” McLaren said in an official statement.
Upward trend
For Fornaroli, it was also a special moment because he had never driven at COTA before. “It’s always great to drive an F1 car,” he responded. “I am grateful to McLaren for giving me the chance again to get behind the wheel of the MCL60.” The Italian emphasized that he is gaining more and more confidence in both the car and the collaboration with the team and the development program.
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“I feel increasingly comfortable with the car and also with the team,” he confirmed. “The training program was a step forward compared to my last test at Silverstone. We did a number of practice starts, which gives me a better idea of what is needed to drive an F1 car during a session. Everyone in the development program continues to support and challenge me with these tests so that I can continue my development.” He is also already looking ahead to the next step in his learning process. “This was the first time I drove at COTA. I really enjoyed it and I am already looking forward to my next chance in an F1 car. Until then, I will support the F1 team in the simulator for the Monaco GP.”
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