Fornaroli lands new F1 opportunity after McLaren Hypercar move
Photo: McLaren Mastercard F1 Team
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Tobia is a Formula 1 journalist at GPblog with experience at international circuits. Since 2022, he has covered Grands Prix across Europe, delivering reliable coverage and insights from the paddock.
Fresh from being confirmed as a McLaren Hypercar driver for 2027, Leonardo Fornaroli is preparing for another Formula 1 appearance with the British team. The Italian will replace Lando Norris in the opening practice session of the Mexican Grand Prix before taking over Oscar Piastri's car at the following round in São Paulo.
Fornaroli's upcoming outings come shortly after McLaren announced his move into its Hypercar programme for next season. Before turning his attention to that new chapter, the Italian will have two further opportunities to gain experience behind the wheel of the MCL40.
The sessions in Mexico and Brazil will complete McLaren's mandatory rookie practice programme for 2026, following Fornaroli's previous appearances at Barcelona-Catalunya and the Hungaroring. Both circuits will be unfamiliar territory for the Italian, who is looking forward to experiencing the challenges they present.
"I am excited to be getting back into the MCL40 for the upcoming Free Practice 1 sessions in both Mexico City and São Paulo. They're new circuits for me, which is good challenge," Fornaroli said.
"Mexico presents new conditions for me to drive in with the altitude and low grip, with Brazil looking fun with the iconic features of the track. It is always a pleasure to work alongside the team at race weekends, so thank you to them for trusting me with further FP1 sessions."
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Photo: Race Pictures
Fornaroli prepares for further F1 experience ahead of Hypercar move
With his place in McLaren's Hypercar programme for 2027 now confirmed, Fornaroli is continuing to gain valuable experience within the team's Formula 1 operation. His upcoming appearances in Mexico City and São Paulo will give him further opportunities to work with McLaren's engineers and contribute to the development of the MCL40.
The Italian has been preparing for both weekends through extensive simulator work and on-track testing in McLaren's 2025 championship-winning car. The experience has allowed him to build additional mileage in F1 machinery ahead of his return to competitive race weekends.
"Our preparations have been extensive. Alongside dedicated simulator work, I've done some Testing of Previous Cars running in last year's double World Championship-winning car, which was an incredible experience," he explained.
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"That mileage provided good preparation for what lies ahead. My focus will be on helping the team set up Lando and Oscar's cars and gathering a good bank of data. I am ready and eager to get out on circuit for both FP1 sessions."
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