Leonardo Fornaroli 
via newsonf1.comFornaroli unlikely as Haas decision nearsLeonardo Fornaroli remains a candidate for the Haas seat currently held by Esteban Ocon, but McLaren CEO Zak Brown indicates that the team expects him to continue in their reserve role. Haas has been evaluating several drivers, including Fornaroli, Rafael Camara, Ryo Hirakawa, and Jack Doohan, as they consider a potential change for the 2027 season.
Haas team principal Ayao Komatsu stated that an announcement regarding Ocon's future will be made soon, as they have completed evaluations of the candidates. Komatsu acknowledged that all tested drivers have performed well, highlighting the team's fortunate position of having multiple talented prospects to choose from.newsonf1.comFri 25 Sep · 07:02 UTC
via grandprix.comKomatsu confirms five-driver fight for Ocon's Haas seatHaas team principal Ayao Komatsu has confirmed that Esteban Ocon is one of five drivers vying for a single seat in the 2027 season. The other contenders include Ryo Hirakawa, Jack Doohan, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara, with testing already underway to assess their performances. Ocon's experience and familiarity with the team are highlighted as significant factors in the selection process, especially following a challenging 2026 season for Haas.
The team is gathering comparative data from various tests, with performance being the primary criterion for selection. While Ocon has the advantage of experience, the younger drivers bring different relationships with the team's partners and varying levels of performance. The decision on the driver lineup does not need to be immediate, but the testing program indicates a serious evaluation rather than mere contingency planning.grandprix.comFri 4 Sep · 09:53 UTC
via f1technical.netHaas steps up 2027 driver evaluation with latest TPC testHaas has intensified its evaluation for the 2027 driver lineup by conducting a three-day Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program at Portimao, featuring drivers Ryo Hirakawa, Leonardo Fornaroli, and Rafael Camara. This test is part of Haas' strategy to assess potential candidates, especially as the team has not yet finalized its future driver lineup. The current drivers, Oliver Bearman and Esteban Ocon, are the focus of the team's efforts as they aim to maximize performance in the present season.
Team principal Ayao Komatsu indicated that while the team is exploring options for 2027, there is no urgency to make decisions. The recent tests allow Haas to evaluate drivers with diverse backgrounds, including a reserve driver, a reigning F2 champion, and a Ferrari junior. Komatsu reiterated the team's commitment to supporting Bearman and Ocon in achieving their best performance before shifting focus to future prospects.
f1technical.netMon 31 Aug · 10:00 UTC
via gpfans.comMcLaren driver 'working' on F1 switch as new silly season rumour emergesLeonardo Fornaroli, the McLaren test and development driver, is actively pursuing a full-time Formula 1 seat after his impressive performances in the 2026 season. Having won the F2 championship and made two FP1 appearances for McLaren, he is gaining valuable experience in F1, including a private test with Haas earlier this year. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri already at McLaren, Fornaroli may need to look elsewhere for a race seat.
Recent speculation suggests that Haas could be a potential destination for Fornaroli, especially as Esteban Ocon's position is uncertain. Fornaroli has expressed his commitment to making the transition to F1, stating that he is focused on his current role while working towards this goal. His next opportunity to showcase his skills will be at the upcoming Dutch Grand Prix.
gpfans.comSun 16 Aug · 12:57 UTC
via F1iFornaroli on life at McLaren and learning ‘as much as possible’Leonardo Fornaroli has experienced rapid growth since joining McLaren's driver development programme in December 2025, following his success in Formula 3 and Formula 2. His first eight months have included significant milestones, such as a successful FP1 debut and extensive simulator training, which he believes are crucial for his development as a professional driver.
Fornaroli has expressed gratitude for the support from the McLaren team and acknowledges the differences between Formula 1 and junior categories. He is focused on learning from current race drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and while he is cautious about future prospects, he is optimistic about securing a full-time seat in Formula 1 by 2027.
F1iFri 14 Aug · 07:43 UTC
via Formula1.comLeonardo Fornaroli discusses McLaren development roleLeonardo Fornaroli has been actively involved in McLaren's Driver Development Programme for the past eight months. The young Italian is focused on gaining experience and pushing for a potential race seat.
Formula1.com+ 1 moreTue 11 Aug · 10:35 UTC