McLaren Taps F2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli for 2027 Hypercar Project

Leonardo Fornaroli, the standout talent of the junior categories, has been officially confirmed as a driver for the McLaren Hypercar Team for the 2027 season. The Italian driver will balance his duties in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) with his ongoing role as McLaren’s Formula 1 reserve driver.

Why it matters:

This move signals McLaren's commitment to a multi-disciplinary driver development pipeline. By placing high-potential talent like Fornaroli in the WEC, McLaren is mirroring a growing trend where top-tier single-seater stars gain endurance experience to sharpen their racecraft and technical feedback before a potential F1 seat.

The Details:

• Proven Pedigree: Fornaroli is one of only five drivers to secure back-to-back Formula 3 (2024) and Formula 2 (2025) titles, placing him in an elite club alongside McLaren's own Oscar Piastri.
• Powerhouse Lineup: He joins a seasoned roster featuring 2024 WEC champion Laurens Vanthoor, Mikkel Jensen, and Alex Lynn to pilot the MCL-HY.
• Dual Responsibility: Fornaroli will maintain his reserve duties for the F1 team throughout 2027, ensuring he remains integrated into the pinnacle of motorsport while competing globally.
• Leadership Backing: Team Principal James Barclay, who previously worked with Fornaroli in Formula E, highlighted the driver's maturity and consistency as key factors for the selection.

What's next:

The focus now shifts to the 2027 debut season. The integration of Fornaroli suggests McLaren isn't just chasing WEC silverware, but is actively grooming the next generation of F1 stars through a high-pressure endurance environment. His ability to adapt to the Hypercar's complexities will be a primary indicator of his readiness for a full-time F1 seat.