Leonardo FornaroliRyo Hirakawa 
via thejudge13.comHaas Evaluates Six Drivers Amid Ocon's Uncertain FutureEsteban Ocon's position at Haas is reportedly under scrutiny as the team considers six potential candidates for his seat. This comes after Haas conducted a three-day test with three rookie drivers in Portugal.
thejudge13.com+ 2 moreTue 1 Sep · 08:45 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 Progress in McLaren Driver DevelopmentLeonardo 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