Fornaroli targets 2027 F1 promotion after McLaren breakthrough

Fornaroli’s rapid McLaren progression

Gabriele Fornaroli’s first season within McLaren’s Formula 1 environment has quickly developed from a preparation programme into a credible audition for a future race seat. The 21-year-old drove an F1 car for the first time in March during a Testing of Previous Cars session in Barcelona, before making his Free Practice 1 debut at the same venue in June.

Fornaroli immediately made an impression, ending that session fifth-fastest. He later completed further TPC running with Haas at Jerez and made his second FP1 appearance for McLaren in Hungary. Alongside the on-track mileage, he has taken on wider trackside duties and now serves as a reserve driver for the Woking-based team.

His development has been supported by extensive simulator work, Friday preparation around race weekends and repeated testing opportunities. Fornaroli said the programme had produced “good steps” through every session, while explaining that his Barcelona FP1 role was focused on helping McLaren gather aerodynamic data rather than chasing outright lap time.

He also praised the team’s Driver Development Programme, describing its members as professional and committed to making him enjoy the process. That structured environment reflects the culture behind McLaren’s recent championship revival, while Fornaroli’s responsibilities show how much broader the demands become at Formula 1 level.

From junior success to an F1 target

Fornaroli acknowledged that operating inside an F1 team is “a different world” from Formula 2 and Formula 3. The scale is larger, the workload more intense and the number of people involved significantly higher. Yet he believes his experience in other high-level categories has helped him adapt, both professionally and personally.

His plan for the second half of 2026 is clear: more TPC running, further FP1 appearances, additional simulator hours, Friday support work and continued collaboration with McLaren’s full-time drivers, Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris.

Back-to-back F3 and F2 titles, combined with his encouraging McLaren outings and separate Haas test, have inevitably prompted speculation about a 2027 promotion. McLaren CEO Zak Brown said Fornaroli was “definitely worthy of being in F1” and expressed hope that he could secure a seat.

Fornaroli is equally direct about his ambition. “Absolutely,” he said when asked whether an F1 step-up was realistic. “We’re working on it, trying to make it happen.” For now, however, his priority remains the present and the work still required. He is due to return to McLaren duties when the season resumes at the Dutch Grand Prix on August 21-23.

Fornaroli’s rapid McLaren progression