McLaren has reaffirmed its faith in Leonardo Fornaroli and is taking its commitment to the Italian driver a step further. Fornaroli has been confirmed as the Formula 1 team's reserve and third driver for the 2027 season, and his programme will also include a prestigious challenge: making his World Endurance Championship debut behind the wheel of McLaren's new Hypercar.
The move marks the start of an important new chapter in Fornaroli's career. It allows him to continue developing in F1 while returning to top-level competition and contributing to a project that will bring the Woking-based manufacturer back to the pinnacle of endurance racing. Throughout 2026, Fornaroli has strengthened his relationship with the team through Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) sessions, two Grand Prix free practice appearances and extensive simulator work. That development will continue next season alongside his WEC commitments.
"The programme McLaren has given me this year has been incredible," Fornaroli told Autosport. "Every time I work with the team, I learn something new. I want to thank McLaren for the support and the development opportunities they're giving me." He has already completed a single lap in the Hypercar, a sensation he described as completely new, and his first proper test with the team is scheduled to begin shortly.
Fornaroli will also play an active role in developing the Hypercar. McLaren enters its debut WEC season with considerable ambitions, and the young Italian is confident the organisation has what it needs. "It's an amazing feeling to be part of this programme," he said, pointing to the highly skilled engineers and mechanics and the team's history of success in motorsport. For a driver who has spent much of the season on the sidelines as a reserve, the chance to race again is a clear motivation.
Source: Autosport F1 News · Summarized by HeadlinesBriefing