Fornaroli completes Paul Ricard test before two more McLaren FP1s

Leonardo Fornaroli completed a two-day test at Circuit Paul Ricard as he prepares to return to the McLaren MCL40 for FP1 sessions at the Mexico City and São Paulo Grands Prix. The reserve driver covered 58 laps, or 339 kilometres, in the team’s MCL39 on the circuit’s Grand Prix layout over the weekend of 19 October 2026.

The upcoming appearances will be Fornaroli’s third and fourth FP1 outings for McLaren. He has already taken part in sessions in Barcelona-Catalunya and Hungary, and the Mexico City and São Paulo runs will fulfil the team’s final two mandatory rookie sessions. His earlier Barcelona FP1 debut was followed by an appearance in Hungary.

Paul Ricard run prepared Fornaroli for his return

The test was Fornaroli’s sixth with McLaren’s Testing of Previous Cars programme, which forms part of his development work with the team. It also gave him a chance to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car before the Mexico City weekend, having spent several months away from one.

McLaren used the MCL39 at Paul Ricard for the first time after retiring the MCL60 from TPC duties in July. The team worked through a range of set-ups, with Fornaroli’s opening day focused on longer runs intended to replicate the demands of an FP1 session. Rain briefly interrupted the afternoon, but the planned programme was completed.

Fornaroli described the test as useful preparation and said driving the MCL39 for the first time was a particular highlight. He also identified the altitude in Mexico City as a new physical challenge, while pointing to Interlagos’ mix of technical corners as a test of his driving.

Hughes also drove the MCL39 during the test

Jake Hughes, McLaren’s Test and Development Driver, took the wheel on the first day. His running was intended to provide a reference point for his development work in the team’s simulator. Hughes completed 52 laps, covering 298 kilometres, and worked with McLaren on several set-ups. It was his second test of the year, after an earlier opportunity in Barcelona.

The Paul Ricard outing follows TPC tests in Barcelona, Silverstone, Austin, Monza and Portimão this year. McLaren said the programme is due to continue in the coming months. Fornaroli has also completed a McLaren test programme at COTA as he builds experience with the team.