McLaren Reserve Driver Fornaroli Completes Advanced F1 Test at Silverstone

McLaren reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli completed a more advanced 68-lap test in the MCL60 at Silverstone, marking a significant step in his development within the team's programme. The reigning F2 champion focused on longer runs with varied fuel loads and tyre compounds, building on his first outing in Barcelona earlier this year.

Why it matters:

For a team like McLaren, having a well-prepared and rapidly developing reserve driver is a critical strategic asset. These tests are essential for Fornaroli's growth and ensure he is ready to step into a race seat if needed, while also providing the team with valuable data from a fresh perspective outside the intense race weekend schedule.

The details:

• Fornaroli drove the 2023-spec MCL60 for 393 kilometres around the Silverstone circuit.
• The test, run with McLaren's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) team, involved a more complex programme than his debut, including different car setups and fuel loads.
• The Italian driver switched between the hard and soft tyre compounds to broaden his experience.
• Fornaroli has an impressive junior record, winning the 2024 FIA Formula 3 title without a race win and the 2025 FIA Formula 2 championship as a rookie.
• Since joining McLaren's Driver Development Programme in January, he has been embedded at the McLaren Technology Centre, contributing in the simulator and supporting the race team trackside.

What's next:

This test is part of an ongoing development plan, with further runs in the MCL60 scheduled at various circuits throughout the year. Fornaroli's continued integration and testing mileage are key components of his role as he aims to be fully prepared for any future opportunity in Formula 1.