McLaren have confirmed that Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli will once again step into Formula 1 machinery, replacing Oscar Piastri for the opening free practice session at this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
The young Italian will drive the MCL40 during Friday’s FP1 at the Hungaroring as part of McLaren’s ongoing young driver programme. It will be Fornaroli’s second official Formula 1 practice appearance of the 2026 season after making a highly encouraging debut with the team at the Spanish Grand Prix earlier this year.
During that first outing in Barcelona, Fornaroli impressed both the team and paddock observers by finishing the session in fifth place on the timesheets. The performance further strengthened his reputation as one of the brightest young talents in the junior ranks and added to growing speculation that he could secure a full-time Formula 1 seat for the 2027 campaign.
McLaren’s decision to give Fornaroli another FP1 opportunity highlights the team’s confidence in his ability and provides him with additional valuable experience behind the wheel of its current Formula 1 challenger.
Oscar Piastri will return to the cockpit for the remainder of the weekend, meaning the Australian will resume driving duties from the second practice session onwards as McLaren prepares for qualifying and Sunday’s Hungarian Grand Prix.
Speaking ahead of his latest outing, Fornaroli expressed his excitement about getting another opportunity to work with the Woking-based team.
“I’m looking forward to driving the MCL40 in this weekend’s Free Practice 1 at the Hungaroring,” he said.
“It’s another fantastic opportunity to continue my development with the car and build on the valuable work we completed together with the team in Barcelona.”
The reigning Formula 2 champion also stressed the importance of every opportunity he receives in Formula 1, explaining that each session helps him gain more experience while contributing to McLaren’s preparations for the race weekend.
“Every session is a chance to learn more, gain confidence and contribute to the team’s programme for the weekend,” he added.
To ensure he is fully prepared, Fornaroli revealed he has spent recent weeks working extensively with McLaren’s engineers. His preparations have included simulator sessions at the team’s Woking headquarters, as well as physical training at the Optimum Nutrition McLaren Performance Hub.
With another chance to showcase his speed and technical feedback, Fornaroli will be aiming to build on his impressive Barcelona performance and strengthen his case for a permanent place on the Formula 1 grid in the near future.
