The F2 champion joins the McLaren Academy

He was almost an anomaly among the latest champions of the antechamber of the Formula 1Leonardo Fornaroli, also a title holder in F3 In 2024, he did not belong to a Formula 1 academy, but that has now changed. The 20-year-old Italian has indeed joined the Academy. McLaren.

As he prepares to play his last weekend in F2 (Champions are not allowed to return to the category), Fornaroli will now have a test and development driver role within the McLaren structure. A role he could combine with a racing seat in 2026, probably in Super Formula.

“I am extremely proud to join the McLaren driver development program after another successful year on the circuits.”Fornaroli explained. “Winning the FIA ​​Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles was a significant milestone in my journey, and I am motivated to take the next step in my development through this program, while pursuing my ultimate goal of racing at the highest level. I am very grateful to McLaren for giving me this opportunity, as well as to everyone who has supported me throughout my career so far. I can’t wait to get started and work closely with the rest of the team.”

Leo Fornaroli is not the only new signing announced by the Woking-based team, as Richard Verschoor, currently third in Formula 2, is also joining the academy, as is Christian Costoya, European Champion of karting As the current title holder, Costoya will make his debut in car in the F4 Middle East Championship next January, racing under the McLaren banner. Now that their future is secured, the papaya team can fully concentrate on the upcoming weekend, where two of their drivers, Lando Norris et Oscar piastriare in contention for the Formula 1 world championship title…

ALSO READ > Norris, Verstappen, Piastri: all the possible scenarios for the F1 World Championship in Abu Dhabi