Fornaroli to replace Piastri in FP1 at the Hungarian Grand Prix

McLaren hands Fornaroli second 2026 opportunity

McLaren junior Leonardo Fornaroli will make his second Formula 1 practice appearance of 2026 when he deputises for Oscar Piastri during FP1 at the Hungaroring this weekend.

Fornaroli’s future under scrutiny

McLaren has been highly impressed by Fornaroli’s progress. Team principal Andrea Stella has confirmed in recent weeks that the Woking-based squad is exploring opportunities for the 21-year-old elsewhere on the Formula 1 grid.

Fornaroli has most recently been linked with the second Haas seat alongside Oliver Bearman. Esteban Ocon currently occupies that position, although his long-term future remains unclear. The Hungarian FP1 appearance therefore represents more than another scheduled rookie run: it is another chance for Fornaroli to demonstrate his readiness at the highest level while McLaren assesses his next step.

Two further rookie appearances

Bearman will also sit out FP1 in Budapest, with Haas giving Toyota protege Ryo Hirakawa an opportunity in his place.

At Alpine, reserve driver Paul Aron will make his third FP1 appearance of the season. After two sessions on loan at Audi in Barcelona and Austria, Aron will replace Franco Colapinto for the opening practice session in Hungary.

Formula 1 teams are required by regulation to enter rookie drivers in four FP1 sessions during the season, with two outings allocated to each car. Budapest will consequently provide another visible test of the junior drivers being assessed across the field, while Fornaroli’s second run gives McLaren a fresh opportunity to evaluate a highly rated member of its development programme.