24 March 2026 17:55 (UTC)
"The last two days have been incredible, and I have learned a huge amount"
McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team Reserve Driver Leonardo Fornaroli completed two days of testing in the MCL60 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya with the team’s Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme. This was Leonardo’s debut in a Formula 1 car, completing 110 laps (512.200 km) in the team’s 2023 challenger. He progressed well throughout the test, gaining valuable experience across both high- and low-fuel running. This test is part of Leonardo’s development within the framework of the McLaren Driver Development Programme, ensuring he is prepared for his role as the team’s Reserve Driver. Leonardo will continue to test with the TPC team throughout the year, alongside simulator work and support trackside.
“It’s an amazing feeling to drive an F1 car on track. The last two days have been incredible, and I have learned a huge amount across a wide range of aspects of driving in F1. Whilst these cars are quite different to those of the current generation, getting time behind the wheel is still essential in my capacity as a reserve driver, as well as helping me to correlate the feeling of physically driving when working in the sim as part of my role supporting the team. Thank you to everyone at McLaren for this opportunity, I am excited to get back in the car and continuing to develop as a driver. Now, I am heading to Japan to support the team across the race weekend.”
“The team are very pleased with Leonardo’s test in Barcelona. He made fantastic progress throughout, getting to grips with the F1 car incredibly quickly, and continuing to demonstrate the traits we’ve seen throughout his successful junior career of consistency and his rapid ability to learn and perform. Tests like these are vital in ensuring he’s prepared as the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team’s reserve, as well as for his development within our driver development pathway. Congratulations to Leo for completing his first test in an F1 car, something he will never forget. We look forward to seeing his continued progress across his work in the car and in the simulator as he continues to intensively test this year.”
