The 2026 FIA Formula 2 season has not even begun and already the spotlight is on reigning champion Leonardo Fornaroli. However, instead of preparing to defend his title, the Italian is adjusting to life away from the F2 grid. Fornaroli has taken on a new role as McLaren Formula 1 Team’s 2026 Reserve Driver. Meanwhile, as 22 drivers are preparing to fight for this year’s championship in Melbourne, Fornaroli will be watching from a very different position in the paddock.
A new chapter for Fornaroli at McLaren
After securing the 2025 FIA F2 title, Fornaroli made the step into a Formula 1 environment with McLaren. The move represents a major shift in focus. Rather than concentrating on race weekends and championship points, his role now revolves around preparation work, simulator sessions and supporting the team behind the scenes.
Speaking from the Bahrain paddock during F1 pre-season testing, Fornaroli described how he is adapting to his new surroundings and responsibilities.
“Life has been great. I have started working with McLaren. On track, we will start soon, we’re just preparing everything. I’m enjoying the environment, working with everyone in the factory, everyone in the team is nice. The atmosphere is amazing, the support I have had is incredible. I’m grateful that I joined them. This year is different because I’m not racing this season, everything is new. I am trusting the team, because they’re very successful, and I am trying to learn as much as I can from the official drivers. I am going to spend as much time as I can with engineers to learn the car. I am trusting the process of the simulator and the TPC days. I hope we’ll have a nice year, and we’ll enjoy it for sure.”
His comments underline a clear objective: learn as much as possible and contribute to the team’s development programme throughout the year.
A highly competitive 2026 FIA Formula 2 grid ahead
While Fornaroli begins his Formula 1 journey, the Formula 2 paddock prepares for another intense season. The Italian expects the 2026 grid to be extremely close, pointing to both experienced drivers and talented rookies as key factors.
“It’s going to be very competitive because there are some really strong drivers remaining and really strong rookies coming in. The teams are starting to understand the car a bit better, and already last year, the gaps were incredibly close. I think it’s going to be a fun season to watch.”
What it takes to win a Formula 2 title
Consistency proved decisive in Fornaroli’s own championship campaign, and he believes that remains the defining ingredient for success in Formula 2.
“Last year, I think it was consistency. As I said before, it’s super important. Even when something was not going my way, I was always trying to bring home some points. When you do the final calculation at the end of the year, those are the points that can make a difference.”
As the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season begins, Fornaroli’s message is clear. Speed is essential but discipline and steady points-scoring ultimately decide who lifts the trophy at the end of the year.
