The McLaren F1 Team have announced that 2025 FIA Formula 2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli and multiple-time race winner Richard Verschoor have joined their Driver Development Programme.
Championship success in back-to-back seasons
Fornaroli arrives at McLaren following a remarkable weekend in Lusail, where he secured the F2 title with one round remaining. The Italian built his championship campaign on a strong foundation of nine podiums, including four victories, demonstrating his consistent performance throughout the season.
This achievement places Fornaroli in an elite group of drivers, as he has now followed in the footsteps of current McLaren F1 driver Oscar Piastri and Gabriel Bortoleto by winning the Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles in back-to-back seasons.
Verschoor’s impressive campaign
Verschoor, his fierce competitor this season, has also secured his place within McLaren’s young driver structure, aiming for an F1 seat. The Dutchman currently sits third in the Drivers’ Standings heading into the final round of the 2025 campaign, and recently made his mark in Qatar with his eighth F2 victory, tying the current championship record. His 2019 Macau Grand Prix victory, one of the most prestigious races in single-seater racing, further underscores the 24-year-old’s pedigree in motorsport.
Fornaroli’s vision for the future
Expressing his enthusiasm for the next chapter of his career, Fornaroli reflected on the significance of his new opportunity. “I’m incredibly proud to be joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme after another successful year on track,” he said. “Winning both the FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles has been an important step in my journey, and I’m motivated to take the next step in my development through the programme as I work toward my ultimate goal of racing at the highest level.”
“I’m very grateful to McLaren for this opportunity, and to everyone who has supported me throughout my career so far. I can’t wait to get started and work closely with the rest of the team.”
Verschoor’s gratitude
Verschoor similarly conveyed his gratitude for the opportunity to join the papaya team’s development initiative. “I’m delighted to be part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme. It’s a special moment, and I’m grateful for McLaren’s support in allowing me to continue my development within the programme. I’m excited to get going and work hard with the team in the coming months.”
Building a strong talent pipeline
McLaren’s Chief Business Affairs Officer Alessandro Alunni Bravi highlighted the significance of welcoming such talented drivers to the programme. “McLaren Racing are delighted to welcome two of Formula 2’s current leading drivers in this year’s Champion Leonardo Fornaroli and former Championship contender and fellow front-runner Richard Verschoor, as well as proven karting champion, Christian Costoya, to the McLaren Racing Driver Development Programme,” he stated.
Alunni Bravi went on to emphasise the depth of talent now present within the initiative, noting the additions represent a carefully considered strategy for developing motorsport’s next generation. “All three talented drivers have shown great race craft with multiple wins this season, alongside a number of impressive performances in their respective championships. By welcoming Christian to the programme alongside long-standing member, Dries Van Langendonck, we now also have two of the most promising drivers coming out of karting.”
McLaren’s vision
The executive underscored McLaren’s commitment to nurturing young talent as part of its broader strategic vision. “It is a key priority that we continue to develop our talent pipeline to provide options for all of our expanding racing teams. We look forward to working closely with all our drivers in 2026 as they continue their individual development at various stages of their career with the support of the programme through a wide range of testing and progression opportunities across all of our racing series.”
With Fornaroli and Verschoor now part of the McLaren F1 family, the team has reinforced its commitment to identifying and developing the next generation of elite racing drivers, ensuring a robust pipeline of talent for potential future opportunities within the organisation.
Co-Author: Chiara Martin
