In Qatar, Formula 2 driver Leonardo Fornaroli was crowned champion, and a few days later, he was inducted into McLaren’s driver development program. The 21-year-old Italian leaves no doubt about his future: his focus is on Formula 1.
Over the past two years, Fornaroli has made history: in 2024 he claimed the Formula 3 title and this year he was crowned champion in Formula 2. With this, the Italian joins an exclusive group of drivers who have consecutively won both the F3 and F2 titles. This list includes the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Charles Leclerc, George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Gabriel Bortoleto. Fornaroli, who claimed four victories and five podiums in his F2 campaign, looks back on his year with pride. “One of my biggest dreams has come true,” he tells La Gazzetta dello Sport.
Last week, Fornaroli was inducted into the McLaren junior program. His plans for 2025 are not yet set in stone, but according to the Italian, work is being done behind the scenes. “We are finalizing the details with McLaren,” he says. “As soon as the program is finalized, we will announce it together. McLaren offers great opportunities in WEC and IndyCar, but my focus remains one hundred percent on Formula 1.” Fornaroli has also had his first meeting with McLaren team boss Andrea Stella. “Andrea is a fantastic person. He is already giving me valuable tips that improve my performance on and off the track.”
Decisive Moment in Abu Dhabi
In Abu Dhabi, Fornaroli feels no personal pressure, but one goal remains: to win the constructors’ title with his team, Invicta Racing. “I want to finish the season strong and of course, I will watch the Formula 1 race afterwards. With three drivers within a few points, it’s going to be incredibly exciting. Whoever drives the best race, wins,” he says. McLaren’s newest talent leaves no doubt: “I want to go to Formula 1.”
