McLaren is expanding its talent program with the addition of three new drivers. Among them is a notable name for Dutch racing fans: Richard Verschoor! The 24-year-old from Utrecht and Formula 2 star joins the papayas. Verschoor’s collaboration coincides with the arrival of two other talents: newly crowned Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and karting phenomenon Christian Costoya have also been signed.
Richard Verschoor expressed pride in his move to McLaren. “I am delighted to join the Driver Development Programme,” he announced in a press release. “This is a very special moment and I am incredibly grateful to McLaren for their support and the opportunity to further develop. I can’t wait to get started and work hard in the coming months.”
Opportunity for Growth
The 24-year-old driver from Benschop is nearing the end of his fifth and final season in Formula 2. At McLaren, Richard Verschoor is given ‘test and development opportunities’. He may be able to make a name for himself with the WEC team, or even apply for a spot in the IndyCar; the British racing team is active in both racing classes. McLaren sees Verschoor as a solid performer within the Formula 2 field and, along with the other new names, an important reinforcement of the talent pyramid.
“We are proud to add Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and former Formula 2 title contender Richard Verschoor to our talent program, as well as karting champion Christian Costoya,” said McLaren CEO Alessandro Alunni Bravi. He emphasized the importance of the program for future opportunities in the major racing classes. “Further developing our talent pool is a top priority in view of our growing racing teams. We look forward to working closely with all our drivers in 2026 as they continue their individual development with support from the program. At the same time, we offer them a wide range of testing opportunities and career paths within all our racing classes.”
