The first months of Leonardo Fornaroli at McLaren have flown by. The 21-year-old Italian joined the papaya’s development program last December and has since gained several important F1 experiences. After consecutive Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles, Fornaroli is steadily progressing through tests, simulator work, and free practice sessions towards a possible F1 contract.
Read more FIA relaxes rules for Russian drivers, national flag allowed again
Since joining McLaren, Fornaroli completed his first F1 test in Barcelona, where he also later took part in his first free practice session. Additionally, he tested in Jerez with older F1 cars and again took charge of a free practice session during the Hungarian GP. According to the Italian, the behind-the-scenes preparation has played an important role. “A lot has happened,” Fornaroli responded to F1.com. “We did many simulator sessions in preparation for the tests, and we also did some support work on Fridays around F1 weekends. That was very useful for my development.”
Fornaroli emphasizes that during his first kilometers in an F1 car, he was not only focused on his own performance. “We made good progress in every session, and my first free practice was definitely a great experience,” he admitted. “But I haven’t been able to push yet – the goal was to help the team by providing them with good data.” He is very pleased with the collaboration with McLaren. “I want to sincerely thank McLaren and everyone involved in the program for their support,” he stressed. “Everyone on the team is very professional, they love their work, and they try to make sure I keep enjoying it.”
Read more Specially for Zandvoort! All Dutch GP helmets of Max Verstappen in a row
F1 seat for Leonardo Fornaroli?
Fornaroli is now aware of how big the leap to the top class is. “It’s a different world,” he admitted. “It’s where you start as a professional driver. There is much more staff, much more work, the pressure is much higher; but I enjoy it,” he grinned. More test work is scheduled for the second half of the season. “More test sessions, more free practices, more hours in the simulator,” the young driver listed. “And more opportunities to work with Lando (Norris, ed.) and Oscar (Piastri, ed.) and learn as much as possible from them.”
His rapid development has also sparked speculation about an F1 seat. McLaren CEO Zak Brown clearly sees potential: “Yes, I think there is,” Brown responded when asked about Fornaroli’s chances of joining the F1 grid. “He is a great talent. He has done some tests with us and hopefully he will secure an F1 seat. I think he is absolutely suitable for Formula 1.” Fornaroli himself keeps both feet on the ground. “Absolutely,” he answered when asked if a promotion seems realistic. “We are trying to make that happen, but for now I am focused on my current tasks. There is still work to be done, but I think we are in a good position.”
Read more Max Verstappen drives with unique helmet during final Dutch GP: ‘Thank you Zandvoort’
Read everything here about the Dutch GP in Zandvoort
