Fornaroli: A great period has arrived for motorsport in Italy.

      Leonardo Fornaroli became the Formula 3 champion in 2024, won the F2 title on his first attempt last year, and this season is serving as a reserve driver for McLaren. Recently, he spent several days on the track in Barcelona, piloting the MCL60 for the first time as part of the TCP (Testing of a Previous Car) program, but this was preceded by intensive simulator training and close communication with McLaren engineers at the team's base in Woking.

      "My father is a passionate fan, and he is interested not only in Formula 1 but also in MotoGP," Leonardo said in an interview with McLaren's press service. "He used to do motocross, then moved to car racing, but he has always been a fan of Valentino Rossi's talent, and we have many souvenirs related to him at home – miniature copies of his helmets and models of his motorcycles.

      When I was growing up, I constantly watched races featuring him, and last year I met Valentino in person, and that was one of the most important moments of my life, as I had the opportunity to talk to my hero, and I will never forget it."

      Together with Kimi Antonelli, Fornaroli is among the most talented Italian drivers of the new generation, just like Matteo De Palo, last year's vice-champion of the European Formula Regional, who is also part of McLaren's youth program.

      "A wonderful period has come for Italian motorsport – we have many young drivers," Fornaroli continued. "Kimi and I have been friends since childhood, as my father raced for his father's team. We have many shared memories, as we often found ourselves at the same tracks. I wish him all the best this year and in the future. I am sure his career in Formula 1 can turn out incredibly well. I hope to join him on the starting grid.

      I tried various sports, but without much interest, and when I first got behind the wheel of a go-kart, I immediately felt free and happy, after which I immediately asked my father when we would go to the karting track again?"

      At the end of last season, when the question of Fornaroli's title in F2 was already settled, his negotiations with McLaren began: "It was a great honor for me that the team, which won the Constructors' Cup for two consecutive years and whose driver won the title in 2025, showed interest in me. I was very proud of that.

      McLaren offered me a comprehensive program; they know how to work with young drivers – we see the success they have achieved with Lando Norris. We had numerous meetings, and I saw everyone's fighting spirit, how much everyone loves their work. The team believed in me, and I knew that McLaren was an excellent place for me to improve all aspects of my professional training."

      In his time, Gabriel Bortoleto, who now races for the Audi F1 factory team, also went through the McLaren youth program, and Fornaroli is also well acquainted with him from Formula 3: "Before I signed the contract with McLaren, we hardly communicated, but then I talked to him. He assured me that I made the right decision. He is a very good friend of mine, and I want to thank Gabriel for everything he has done for me...

      Finally, I am working in Formula 1, which I have dreamed of since childhood. My journey begins at McLaren, and it is incredibly exciting! This is one of the most successful teams, and I have been offered many different opportunities here.

      I not only spend a lot of time training on the simulator, not only participate in TCP tests, but also attend races with McLaren, getting used to the team's working atmosphere, trying to learn as much as possible. I study how the team organizes its work, how a driver should interact with it, and how to prepare. I really enjoy collaborating with people who have such extensive experience in Formula 1, and I know I will be able to learn a lot from them."