29 May 2026 16:00 (UTC)
"The run plan was a step up from my last test in Silverstone"
Leonardo Fornaroli drove the MCL60 around the Circuit of the Americas in a two-day test as part of his progression in our Driver Development Programme, and his role as McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team Reserve Driver.
This week, Leo drove our 2023 challenger with the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) team in Austin, Texas. This was his first time driving around the Circuit of the Americas, and he completed 77 laps (425km) across two days of running on Wednesday and Thursday.
In what was Leo’s third TPC test, the objective was to continue building on the development and learnings from Barcelona and Silverstone. The weather on the first day was hot and humid, with intermittent light rain, which fortunately didn’t impact running, while the second day brought cooler conditions, allowing Leo to further develop his understanding of driving a modern F1 car in different conditions. The run plan consisted of a mix of long and short runs, grid start procedures, and formation lap practice.
The circuit provided new challenges and learning opportunities for Leo, with its high-speed corners and heavy braking zones. COTA is often regarded as a driver favourite, and that was also the case for Leo, who remarked throughout the day on how much he enjoyed turning laps in the Lone Star State.
This marked the second time the McLaren TPC team has tested at COTA, almost a year on from their first visit in June 2025, when The F1 Movie star Brad Pitt got behind the wheel alongside Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
It was Leo’s third F1 test, in line with the testing programme set out for him as part of his ongoing training in the McLaren Driver Development Programme. Leo travelled to the TPC test directly from the Canadian Grand Prix, where he supported the team trackside in his Reserve Driver role.
“It’s always amazing to drive an F1 car. I’m grateful to McLaren for giving me another opportunity to get behind the wheel of the MCL60.
“I’m getting more comfortable with the car and also the team. The run plan was a step up from my last test in Silverstone. We got to do some practice starts, which continued to give me a better understanding of what it takes to drive an F1 car in a session. Everyone in the DDP programme continues to support and push me with these tests as I continue my development.
“This was my first time driving around COTA. I really enjoyed it, and I am already looking forward to my next opportunity in an F1 car. Until then, I’ll be supporting the F1 team in the simulator for the Monaco GP.”
