McLaren make major 2026 driver line-up announcement

McLaren has confirmed reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli as one of its reserve drivers for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Ahead of the new F1 season, which will see Lando Norris attempt to defend his drivers’ title alongside team-mate Oscar Piastri, McLaren has confirmed its full reserve driver line-up, as well as those who form part of its driver development programme for the year.

Fornaroli joins current IndyCar driver Pato O'Ward as one of the Woking-based team’s official reserve drivers, alongside his test and development role within McLaren’s Driver Development Programme.

To support McLaren as it enters F1’s new power unit regulations, Fornaroli will undertake an intensive testing and simulator programme, aimed at furthering his development and enhancing his ability to deliver high-quality feedback.

"I’m thrilled to be stepping into an extended role with the McLaren Formula 1 Team as Reserve Driver as part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme," said Fornarli. 

"It’s an exciting next step in my journey, and I’m looking forward to contributing to such a successful, Championship-winning team this season. A big thank you to Zak, Andrea and Alessandro for this opportunity."

McLaren's 2026 driver development programme roster

O'Ward will continue in his reserve role and remains part of McLaren’s Driver Development Programme.

In addition to announcing Fornaroli’s promotion to official F1 reserve driver, the Woking-based outfit has also revealed the full list of drivers in its development programme for 2026.

For 2026, McLaren’s Driver Development Programme will consist of: Christian Costoya, Matteo De Palo, Leonardo Fornaroli, Ella Häkkinen, Ella Lloyd, Pato O’Ward, Ella Stevens, Dries Van Langendonck and Richard Verschoor.

Verschoor is also set to undertake a testing programme while competing in the European Le Mans Series with the DUQUEINE Team in LMP2, as McLaren prepares for its top-class World Endurance Championship debut in 2027.

Meanwhile, the daughter of two-time F1 world champion Mika Häkkinen, Ella Häkkinen, will complete an intensive Formula 4 single-seater testing programme ahead of next year.

"The team are pleased to confirm its Driver Development Programme line up alongside their racing and testing programmes for 2026," said Alessandro Alunni Bravi, McLaren Racing chief businesses affairs officer.

"Within this, it’s great for Leonardo to step up into the Reserve Driver role for the McLaren Formula 1 Team as part of his development with us, with Pato O’Ward also continuing in this role.

"We have selected an incredibly talented group of nine drivers, which shows the health of our talent pipeline.

"We are all excited to see their development this season as we create professional drivers across all aspects of racing, progressing towards Formula 1, IndyCar and the team’s upcoming World Endurance Championship entry."