The young Italian driver, fresh off his Formula 2 title win last weekend in Qatar, was announced on Tuesday as McLaren’s new reserve driver for the upcoming season, making him the primary backup to the Norris-Piastri duo.

Asked by GPblog why he chose McLaren and what prospects it could open for him in the coming years, the Italian replied: "I chose McLaren because it was the best choice for my career and also it provides a very nice racing program and developing program, so I'm very confident to join them. The specific program will be announced soon, but the goal is Formula 1."

Fornaroli also added that he has already spoken with Stella and Alessandro Alunni Bravi, who joined in February this year as Chief Business Affairs Officer, and has already learned a valuable lesson.

Italy’s latest rising talent Fornaroli could soon capture the spotlight following Kimi Antonelli’s return to Formula 1 this year after a four-year absence.

He has already demonstrated that he belongs among the sport’s elite, yet he has not secured a full-time F1 seat for next season — a situation made more challenging by his lack of ties to a junior academy so far.

Still, 2026 offers a perfect platform for him to gain critical experience with the grid’s current strongest team, fresh off consecutive constructors’ titles and fully in contention for the drivers’ championship with both of its drivers. Explore more about his career here.