F2 Champion Fornaroli Makes First Step Into Formula 1

The 2025 Formula 2 champion and McLaren reserve driver, Leonardo Fornaroli, is set to make his official Formula 1 debut during a race weekend. At the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona, the 21-year-old Italian will participate in the opening practice session, stepping in for reigning world champion Lando Norris.

Fornaroli described the opportunity as a significant milestone in his career, emphasizing his excitement to contribute to McLaren’s preparations for the race weekend. He also noted that his recent experience testing previous-generation Formula 1 machinery has played an important role in helping him adapt to the demands of an F1 car.

The young driver expressed his gratitude to McLaren’s leadership for placing their trust in him and said he is eager to take to the track in an official Formula 1 session for the very first time in his career.