McLaren hail 'maturing' star waiting for F1 promotion

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has hailed its reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli, praising him for showing "great maturity" as he waits for a chance in Formula 1.

The reigning Formula 2 champion joined McLaren's driver development programme following his successful campaign and has acted as the team's reserve driver this season.

It has seen the 21-year-old take part in first practice sessions, TPC tests (Testing of Previous Cars) and support McLaren in the simulator.

Fornaroli has impressed on each appearance, with many backing him for a future in F1. The big question is whether he will get his shot at McLaren or have to look elsewhere.

What has impressed Stella is the way Fornaroli has approached the year and his role, taking solid steps towards a big future.

McLaren's engineers have also been pleased with the young driver, while Stella hopes the team's driver development programme will offer Fornaroli more opportunities to grow.

"Leo is showing great maturity in his approach to F1," said Stella. "So far, he’s always been very meticulous and attentive in the run-up to each test, never overdoing it but instead working step by step with great diligence. 

"Our engineers are very pleased with how he is progressing at every test and how he performed in the two Free Practice sessions he took part in, first in Barcelona and then in Budapest. 

"I believe his journey through our driver development programme is going exactly as it should, and we hope it will soon offer him further opportunities for growth."