McLaren give F2 champion Fornaroli second ‘advanced’ test at Silverstone

The Italian youngster had already driven McLaren’s 2023 car, the MCL60, as part of a Testing of Previous Cars run at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya in March.

This week at Silverstone, Fornaroli was handed a second opportunity to drive the MCL60, as part of his “continued progression” in the Woking team’s Driver Development Programme.

McLaren have noted that the test was an “evolution” of the 21-year-old’s maiden runout in Spain, with Fornaroli’s plan focusing on longer runs, lower fuel loads, and a mix of hard and soft tyres.

Speaking on McLaren's website, Fornaroli said: "Another good day on track - it was amazing to be back in the MCL60.

“With it being my second test, the run plan was more advanced, so I got to try some different setups and run with different levels of fuel, which continues to support my understanding of driving a Formula 1 car.

“I’m very happy with today, and I continued to make improvements from my test a few weeks ago, getting even more comfortable with these machines.”

Since the first test in Barcelona, Fornaroli has also been trackside with McLaren’s F1 team, attending the Japanese GP at the end of March.

The current Constructors’ champions have also confirmed that further tests are planned for Fornaroli in the 2023 car at a "variety of different circuits.

The Italian will also be hoping to make his FP1 debut this season as part of F1's mandatory rookie practice sessions.

“I look forward to continuing to test this year, something that is very important as part of my role as McLaren Mastercard Reserve Driver, and for my development within the DDP programme," Fornaroli concluded.

After Mercedes' Kimi Antonelli, Fornaroli could well become the Italy's next big thing, having already proven his talent in the junior categories.

In 2025, he clinched back-to-back titles in Formula 3 and Formula 2 at the first attempt, a feat previously achieved only by Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto, both now regarded as two of the strongest drivers on the current F1 grid.