McLaren has reiterated its confidence in Leonardo Fornaroli, taking its dedication to the Italian racer to a new level. Fornaroli is set to serve as the Formula 1 team’s reserve and third driver for the 2027 season, but he will also be engaged in another prestigious pursuit: making his debut in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) as he drives McLaren’s new Hypercar.
This signifies the start of an important new phase in Fornaroli’s professional journey, enabling him to advance his skills in F1 while re-entering high-level competition and contributing to a project aimed at returning the Woking-based firm to the forefront of endurance racing.
His ongoing participation in McLaren’s F1 initiative is a crucial advancement. Over the course of 2026, Fornaroli has fortified his connection with the team through a program that has included Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) sessions, appearances in two Grand Prix free practice sessions, and considerable simulator work. That developmental effort will persist next season alongside his WEC responsibilities.
“The program McLaren has provided me this year has been fantastic,” Fornaroli remarked to Autosport. “The TPC days that I’ve completed with the team, the two FP1 sessions, and all the simulator work have been incredibly beneficial experiences. Each time I work with the team, I discover something new. I want to express my gratitude to McLaren for the backing and the growth opportunities they’ve offered me.”
The experience acquired in F1 is also expected to serve as a crucial basis for his new challenge in endurance racing, a discipline that will inevitably necessitate a period of adjustment. Fornaroli is conscious of this but feels that his experiences thus far have armed him with invaluable skills.
“All of this will also be significantly important for the WEC, given that it’s an extremely competitive series, and there will be a lot to learn concerning overtaking strategies, as well as adapting to a brand-new car.”
Leonardo Fornaroli, McLaren
Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
Fornaroli has already experienced a preliminary drive in the McLaren Hypercar, although this initial encounter was limited to just a few kilometers.
Yesterday, the Italian completed a single lap, providing him with insights unlike anything he previously encountered. His first comprehensive test with the team is slated to commence today, which will enable him to become more acquainted with the Hypercar and initiate development work in anticipation of its WEC debut.
“It was an amazing experience,” Fornaroli acknowledged. “Entering a closed cockpit for the first time, closing the door, and starting off on electric power before the combustion engine kicked in was entirely new to me but genuinely thrilling. I’m eager to get back into the car and log my first substantial kilometers with the team.”
Fornaroli will also actively contribute to the development of the Hypercar, further emphasizing his involvement in this initiative. McLaren is entering its inaugural WEC season with bold ambitions, and the young Italian is confident that the organization possesses everything necessary to tackle the challenge ahead.
“It’s a fantastic feeling to be part of this program. Naturally, it will be our first year in the WEC, but I feel very optimistic. The driver lineup is highly competitive, featuring both experienced racers and some very talented newcomers.
“The engineers are exceptionally skilled, as are the mechanics. We are speaking about McLaren, a team that has a rich history of remarkable accomplishments in motorsport. Competing with them next year is going to be exhilarating.”
Leonardo Fornaroli, McLaren
Photo by: Simon Galloway / LAT Images via Getty Images
In addition to the technical elements and career prospects, the endurance program also satisfies a desire Fornaroli has long expressed: the wish to return to racing.
Following a season spent mostly as a reserve driver, observing the behind-the-scenes aspect of a Formula 1 team, the chance to compete fiercely again presents a uniquely compelling motivation.
“Yes, I’ve truly missed being in races,” he confessed. “Each weekend I’m at the track as a reserve driver, I can’t help but feel a pang of jealousy watching Lando and Oscar race. So getting back into competition is going to be an extraordinary feeling.”
The 2027 schedule will also include a particularly significant event: the 24 Hours of Le Mans. For Fornaroli, this race represents much more than just a key event of the season. It signifies an achievement of a long-held dream arriving sooner than he could have ever anticipated.
“Absolutely. Le Mans has always been a goal of mine. I never thought I would have the chance to race there as early as next year.”
“It’s a race that I’ve contemplated for many years, and to be able to participate so soon is going to be incredible. I tune in to the 24 Hours every year, even staying up late at night to watch it. Racing at such a unique location like Le Mans for the first time will be a very special experience.”
Leonardo Fornaroli, McLaren, Will Joseph, Director of Race Engineering, McLaren
Photo by: Steven Tee / LAT Images via Getty Images
As a result, the 2027 season is shaping up to be especially significant for Fornaroli’s future.
On one side, he will hold onto his position within McLaren’s Formula 1 program, affording him the chance to deepen his connection with the team while continuing his growth. On the other side, he will re-enter competitive racing in a world championship of the highest caliber, while actively contributing to the development of an entirely new vehicle.
Two distinct yet complementary commitments through which McLaren will persist in investing in the promising Italian driver, providing him with a program that combines driver growth, technical apprenticeship, and, perhaps most importantly for Fornaroli, the opportunity to race again.
We want to hear from you!
Let us know what you would like to see from us in the future.
Take our survey
– The Autosport.com Team
