Leonardo Fornaroli to Balance F1 Reserve and WEC Duties at McLaren for 2027

Leonardo Fornaroli is stepping out of the simulator and back into the cockpit. McLaren has confirmed that the 21-year-old will maintain his F1 reserve status for 2027 while simultaneously joining the team's World Endurance Championship (WEC) Hypercar effort.

Why it matters:

This dual role is a strategic win for both the driver and the team. After spending much of 2026 immersed in simulation and preparation, Fornaroli secures much-needed competitive seat time. For McLaren, integrating a high-potential talent across two elite programs allows them to cultivate a versatile driver while accelerating the development of their return to top-tier endurance racing.

The details:

• F1 Continuity: Fornaroli remains the reserve driver following a productive 2026 focused on TPC days, two FP1 appearances, and extensive simulator work to support the race team.
• Endurance Transition: He will move into the closed-cockpit Hypercar, where he has already completed initial introductory laps.
• Skill Transfer: The team expects Fornaroli to apply his F1-level precision to the unique challenges of WEC, specifically traffic management and hybrid power delivery.

The big picture:

McLaren is aggressively diversifying its motorsport portfolio. By bridging the gap between their F1 operations and the WEC program, Woking is ensuring that their endurance return is backed by the same technical rigor and talent pipeline that fuels their Formula 1 success. This approach treats the Hypercar program not just as a side project, but as a critical pillar of their racing identity.

What's next:

As 2027 approaches, the focus shifts to a substantial testing program for the new Hypercar. Fornaroli’s ability to adapt to the grueling demands of endurance racing will be a key indicator of his long-term ceiling within the McLaren ecosystem.