McLaren secures future talent: Leonardo Fornaroli and Pato O'Ward named 2026 F1 reserve drivers

McLaren Racing has officially announced its 2026 Formula 1 reserve driver duo, confirming reigning FIA Formula 2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli and NTT IndyCar Series frontrunner Pato O'Ward in these critical roles. This strategic appointment reinforces the Woking-based team's commitment to nurturing emerging talent while supporting its championship-contending lineup of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Fornaroli's ascent: from F2 champion to F1 reserve

The Italian driver Leonardo Fornaroli takes a significant step in his motorsport trajectory by transitioning from his 2025 Formula 2 title success into McLaren's reserve driver position. Beyond reserve duties, Fornaroli will undertake an intensive testing and simulation programme to accelerate his development and provide invaluable technical feedback to the team as Formula 1 enters an unprecedented era of new power unit regulations.

"I'm thrilled to be stepping into an extended role with the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team as Reserve Driver as part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme," Fornaroli stated. "It's an exciting next step in my journey, and I'm looking forward to contributing to such a successful, Championship-winning team this season."

This role represents the natural progression for Fornaroli, who joined McLaren's Driver Development Programme after securing the F2 championship, establishing a clear pathway from junior single-seaters toward full-time Formula 1 competition.

O'Ward continues his F1 development journey

Mexican driver Pato O'Ward continues his reserve driver responsibilities while maintaining his primary commitment to Arrow McLaren in the NTT IndyCar Series. O'Ward's dual role demonstrates the growing collaboration between McLaren Racing's American IndyCar operations and its elite Formula 1 programme.

"I am excited to continue in my role as reserve driver for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team, alongside my primary duties in the NTT IndyCar Series with Arrow McLaren," O'Ward explained. "I've learned an incredible amount from testing and driving F1 cars over the past few years, so I am looking forward to this continued growth and development."

The broader picture: McLaren's nine-driver development programme

Beyond the reserve driver appointments, McLaren has revealed its complete 2026 Driver Development Programme, consisting of nine talented drivers spread across multiple racing categories. This comprehensive roster includes Christian Costoya, Matteo De Palo, Ella Häkkinen, Ella Lloyd, Ella Stevens, Dries Van Langendonck, and Richard Verschoor, alongside Fornaroli and O'Ward.

The programme reflects McLaren's multi-pathway strategy to develop professional drivers across Formula 1, IndyCar, and the team's ambitious World Endurance Championship entry launching in 2027. Notably, Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens continue representing McLaren in F1 Academy, with the team doubling its commitment to gender diversity by adding a second female-driven car to the series.

Alessandro Alunni Bravi, McLaren Racing's Chief Business Affairs Officer, emphasized the significance of this announcement: "We have selected an incredibly talented group of nine drivers, which shows the health of our talent pipeline. We are all excited to see their development this season as we create professional drivers across all aspects of racing."

Strategic implications for McLaren's 2026 campaign

This reserve driver structure positions McLaren advantageously as the team pursues constructor and driver championships with Norris and Piastri. Fornaroli's appointment as the primary reserve driver ensures consistent technical feedback from a fresh perspective familiar with the latest junior racing developments, while O'Ward's continued involvement provides continuity and experience-based insights.

The emphasis on intensive testing and simulator work for Fornaroli underscores McLaren's investment in maximizing its competitive advantage during the transitional 2026 regulations period. As F1 navigates significant technical changes, having a capable reserve driver immersed in the team's operations provides strategic flexibility for managing unexpected driver circumstances while accelerating the next generation's preparation for full-time competition.