McLaren will give reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli the chance to drive the MCL40 during the first free practice sessions at the Mexico City and São Paulo Grands Prix, providing the reigning Formula 1 world champions with another opportunity to assess their rising talent while helping the Italian develop his experience at the highest level.
The 21-year-old will take part in FP1 at both events as McLaren fulfils its rookie running obligations under Formula 1 regulations. Fornaroli is looking forward to the challenge, with the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez and Interlagos offering very different tests for the young driver.
“I’m really looking forward to these two great events that will test me as a driver,” Fornaroli said.
“Interlagos is a historic circuit with many technically challenging corners, and the altitude in Mexico City will definitely present a new physical challenge for me. This is a great opportunity for my own development and to help the team this weekend.”
McLaren prepares Fornaroli with MCL39 test
To prepare for his upcoming FP1 appearances, Fornaroli completed a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme with McLaren at Circuit Paul Ricard near Le Castellet.
Driving the team’s 2025 MCL39, the Italian completed 58 laps covering 339 kilometres, giving him valuable time behind the wheel of a Formula 1 car ahead of the two race weekends.
McLaren confirmed that the programme went ahead as planned despite rain affecting the test. The running allowed Fornaroli to reacquaint himself with an F1 car after several months away from the cockpit.
The preparation is particularly important given the contrasting demands of the two circuits. Mexico City’s high altitude presents physical and technical challenges, while Interlagos combines a demanding sequence of corners with significant elevation changes.
Fornaroli welcomes valuable track time
Fornaroli described the Paul Ricard outing as “really very beneficial”, explaining that it helped him rebuild his familiarity with the car before returning to the championship environment.
“It’s been a few months since I last sat in an F1 car, so it was good to get a feel for it again before Mexico,” he said.
The Italian also thanked McLaren for the opportunity and acknowledged the support he has received from the team’s young driver programme.
“Many thanks to McLaren’s Formula 1 team for giving me these opportunities, and to everyone in the McLaren Young Drivers Programme for their guidance and continuous support. I look forward to rejoining the team in Mexico.”
The upcoming outings will be Fornaroli’s third and fourth FP1 appearances for McLaren, following previous sessions in Barcelona and Hungary.
McLaren expands Fornaroli’s racing programme
McLaren has also confirmed that Fornaroli will compete in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) in 2027 while continuing in his role as a Formula 1 reserve driver.
The move will provide the Italian with additional competitive experience in endurance racing alongside his responsibilities within McLaren’s F1 operation.
For McLaren, the two FP1 sessions offer another chance to evaluate Fornaroli’s progress and give him exposure to the demands of a modern Grand Prix weekend. For the driver, the opportunity to work with the team during two consecutive race events represents another important step in his development as he builds towards a potential future in Formula 1.
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Alex Stanton is a Formula 1 journalist at TJ13 with a focus on the financial and commercial dynamics that underpin the sport. Alex contributes reporting and analysis on team ownership structures, sponsorship trends, and the evolving business model of Formula 1.
At TJ13, Alex covers topics including manufacturer investment, cost cap implications, and the strategic direction of teams navigating an increasingly complex financial environment. Alex’s work often examines how commercial decisions translate into on-track performance and long-term competitiveness.
With a strong interest in the intersection of sport and business, Alex provides context around Formula 1’s global growth, including media rights, expansion markets, and manufacturer influence.
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