Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has completed his next test day for McLaren. The Italian became a reserve driver for the British team last December, after failing to secure a spot on the Formula 1 grid. For Fornaroli, it was great to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car at Silverstone, as he says: ‘Silverstone is one of my favorite circuits, so I am grateful to McLaren’.
Read more Pérez surprised by Alonso’s disappointing performances: ‘Hoped he would be fighting at the top’
Leonardo Fornaroli became Formula 2 champion in 2025 with Invicta Racing, but unfortunately for the young Italian, a step up to Formula 1 was not immediately possible. The driver did become part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme last December, and has since also been able to call himself a reserve driver for McLaren. Fornaroli made his test debut earlier this season during the test days in Barcelona and traveled to the Japanese GP.
Silverstone
His second test day took place last Tuesday at the Silverstone circuit. There, the driver completed 68 laps, a total of 393 kilometers, to finish a complex program. For example, the Formula 2 champion drove long runs with less fuel in the tank and tested several types of tires. “Another good day on the track – it was great to be back in the MCL60,” Fornaroli reported after the test via the official McLaren website. “Silverstone is one of my favorite circuits, so I am grateful to McLaren for the chance to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car there.”
Read more ‘FIA holds first meeting on controversial F1 regulations on Thursday’
“Because this was my second test, the test program was more extensive, so I was able to try out different setups and drive with different fuel levels, which further increases my understanding of driving a Formula 1 car,” the Italian continues. “I am very satisfied with today and I have made further improvements compared to my test a few weeks ago, making me feel even more comfortable in these cars. I look forward to further testing this year, something that is very important as part of my role as McLaren reserve driver and for my development within the development program.” When the next test day for the young driver will take place is still unknown.
Read more Points crisis: Red Bull looks back on worst start to the season since 2015
Read everything about the Miami GP here
