Leonardo Fornaroli, the newly crowned Formula 2 Champion, has joined McLaren’s Driver Development Program. The Italian joins fellow F2 racer Richard Verschoor and karting champion Christian Costoya as the latest additions. This announcement marks a significant step in Fornaroli’s racing career.
Fornaroli’s Championship Journey
Fornaroli sealed the Formula 2 title during the Feature Race in Qatar. Finishing in second place in this event confirmed his championship victory. Over the season, he accomplished four wins and five podium finishes. This achievement marks his second consecutive championship title at the age of 20, following his success in Formula 3 the previous year.
Joining McLaren’s Driver Development Program
As part of McLaren’s Driver Development Program, Fornaroli will take on a test and development role within the F1 team’s structure. His fellow new signings include:
- Richard Verschoor: Currently in third place in the Formula 2 championship, the 24-year-old from the Netherlands has also secured four wins this season.
- Christian Costoya: At just 15 years old, the Spanish teenager has multiple karting championships to his name. He is set to make his single-seater debut in the 2026 F4 Middle East Championship at Yas Marina Circuit from January 16-18.
McLaren’s Commitment to Talent Development
Alessandro Alunni Bravi, Chief Business Affairs Officer at McLaren Racing, expressed the team’s enthusiasm for the new signings. He noted that all three drivers have shown impressive race craft with significant wins in their respective championships. The goal is to cultivate a strong talent pipeline for McLaren’s expanding racing teams.
Statements from the New Signings
Following the announcement, Fornaroli expressed his pride in joining the program. He emphasized that winning titles in both FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 has marked an important step in his career. He looks forward to further development with McLaren.
Verschoor noted his excitement and gratitude for the opportunity. He is eager to enhance his skills within the program. Similarly, Costoya echoed his enthusiasm about being part of McLaren’s renowned talent development environment.
This recruitment follows McLaren’s recent addition of Ella Hakkinen and Ella Stevens to the Driver Development Program, demonstrating the team’s ongoing commitment to nurturing emerging talent in motorsport.
