{"id":4174,"date":"2026-10-19T16:15:00","date_gmt":"2026-10-19T19:15:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/?p=4174"},"modified":"2026-10-19T14:49:05","modified_gmt":"2026-10-19T17:49:05","slug":"mclaren-hands-f1-reserve-fornaroli-2027-le-mans-seat-as-hypercar-line-up-grows","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/endurance\/wec\/mclaren-hands-f1-reserve-fornaroli-2027-le-mans-seat-as-hypercar-line-up-grows\/","title":{"rendered":"McLaren hands F1 reserve Fornaroli 2027 Le Mans seat as Hypercar line-up grows"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">News Summary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Leonardo Fornaroli will race for McLaren in the 2027 WEC<\/strong>, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans, while remaining the team&#8217;s F1 reserve.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>The 2025 Formula 2 champion becomes McLaren&#8217;s fourth confirmed Hypercar driver<\/strong>, joining Mikkel Jensen, Laurens Vanthoor and Alex Lynn.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Fornaroli has already driven the MCL-HY<\/strong> and will help develop the prototype ahead of its debut season.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>McLaren has confirmed that reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli will race in the 2027 World Endurance Championship and make his 24 Hours of Le Mans debut<\/strong>, while retaining his position as the Formula 1 team&#8217;s reserve driver alongside Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 21-year-old Italian becomes the fourth confirmed driver for McLaren&#8217;s new MCL-HY Hypercar programme, joining Mikkel Jensen, Laurens Vanthoor and Alex Lynn. The announcement, made on Monday, October 19, gives Fornaroli a full-time racing opportunity after spending 2026 primarily working in McLaren&#8217;s Formula 1 development programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The decision also strengthens McLaren&#8217;s preparations for its return to the highest level of endurance racing, with the British manufacturer assembling a line-up that combines experienced prototype specialists and young single-seater talent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fornaroli welcomed the opportunity to race again while continuing his Formula 1 responsibilities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;To represent McLaren in the FIA World Endurance Championship and at the 24 Hours of Le Mans is a huge honour,&#8221; he said in the team&#8217;s official announcement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fornaroli admits he missed racing during F1 reserve season<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fornaroli joined McLaren&#8217;s development programme after winning consecutive FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 championships in 2024 and 2025.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His progression placed him among a select group of drivers to win both titles in successive rookie campaigns, an achievement also accomplished by Piastri before his Formula 1 debut.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, the Italian was unable to secure a full-time F1 race seat for 2026 and instead concentrated on developing his experience with McLaren.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His programme included testing previous-generation Formula 1 cars, participating in two official free-practice sessions and completing extensive simulator work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fornaroli acknowledged that watching Norris and Piastri compete had made him increasingly eager to return to racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Yes, I&#8217;ve really missed racing,&#8221; he admitted.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Italian explained that attending Grand Prix weekends without competing had been frustrating, even though the technical experience proved valuable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He also praised the opportunities McLaren had provided throughout the year, highlighting the importance of working directly with engineers and learning the team&#8217;s procedures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The WEC programme will now allow him to continue developing as a driver while maintaining his connection with Formula 1.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"711\" src=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/HU_SMmcXcAARvh6-1024x711.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-1020318418\" srcset=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/HU_SMmcXcAARvh6-1024x711.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/HU_SMmcXcAARvh6-300x208.jpg 300w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/HU_SMmcXcAARvh6-768x533.jpg 768w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/HU_SMmcXcAARvh6-150x104.jpg 150w, https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/10\/HU_SMmcXcAARvh6.jpg 1028w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">Leonardo Fornaroli (Photo: McLaren)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">McLaren&#8217;s new Hypercar gives Fornaroli first endurance challenge<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fornaroli has already completed his first kilometres in the MCL-HY, although his initial experience was limited to a single lap.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Italian described the transition from single-seater machinery to an enclosed-cockpit prototype as particularly unusual.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The experience included driving away using electrical power before the combustion engine started, introducing him to the operation of the hybrid system used by McLaren&#8217;s new endurance car.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His first substantial test is scheduled to begin on October 19, allowing him to work more closely with the engineering team and contribute to the car&#8217;s development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fornaroli acknowledged that endurance racing will require significant adaptation, particularly in areas such as traffic management, overtaking slower classes and race strategy.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike Formula 1 and Formula 2, the World Endurance Championship features multiple categories sharing the same circuit, with drivers required to manage traffic while maintaining competitive lap times.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The 24 Hours of Le Mans will also introduce the challenge of racing through the night, sharing a car with teammates and maintaining performance over exceptionally long distances.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">McLaren&#8217;s MCL-HY is being developed for the LMDh regulations, with the team working alongside United Autosports to prepare its return to the Hypercar category.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The manufacturer has already completed initial track tests and is continuing development ahead of homologation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fornaroli joins Lynn, Vanthoor and Jensen in McLaren line-up<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fornaroli&#8217;s appointment follows a series of announcements establishing the foundations of McLaren&#8217;s 2027 Hypercar programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The manufacturer first confirmed <strong>Mikkel Jensen<\/strong>, bringing experience from Peugeot&#8217;s factory endurance operation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">It subsequently signed <strong>Laurens Vanthoor<\/strong>, the 2024 WEC Drivers&#8217; Champion, after Porsche&#8217;s decision to withdraw from the championship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The third appointment was <strong>Alex Lynn<\/strong>, who will leave Cadillac after completing the 2026 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/endurance\/wec\/mclaren-snatches-cadillacs-le-mans-pole-sitter-lynn-for-2027-hypercar-assault\/\"><strong>GRANDE PR\u00caMIO reported when Lynn&#8217;s move was announced<\/strong><\/a>, the British driver brings experience of Le Mans pole positions, endurance victories and the development of factory prototypes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fornaroli becomes the fourth member of the group, giving McLaren a combination of established endurance specialists and a driver who has progressed rapidly through the junior single-seater categories.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The team is expected to operate two MCL-HY prototypes, requiring additional drivers to complete its planned line-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, <strong>McLaren has not confirmed which drivers will share each car<\/strong>, and Fornaroli&#8217;s appointment should not be interpreted as confirmation of a specific three-driver crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Team principal <strong>James Barclay<\/strong> praised the Italian&#8217;s achievements and the qualities he demonstrated during their previous work together.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Leo is an exceptional talent,&#8221; Barclay said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He emphasised that winning Formula 3 and then Formula 2 as a rookie demonstrated Fornaroli&#8217;s consistency, speed and maturity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Barclay also highlighted the importance of balancing experienced endurance drivers with younger competitors as McLaren prepares for its debut season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">McLaren&#8217;s Le Mans return carries historic significance<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">McLaren&#8217;s arrival in the Hypercar category will mark its return to the battle for overall victory at Le Mans, a race it famously won on its first attempt in 1995.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">That victory came with the McLaren F1 GTR, driven by JJ Lehto, Yannick Dalmas and Masanori Sekiya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The new MCL-HY represents a different technical approach, with hybrid power and a chassis developed specifically for modern endurance racing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">McLaren will compete against established manufacturers including Toyota, Ferrari, Cadillac, BMW, Alpine and Aston Martin, as well as other new entrants preparing for the 2027 season.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The competition has become increasingly intense, with manufacturers investing heavily in technical development and driver recruitment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">McLaren&#8217;s return also follows a major restructuring of the endurance landscape, including Porsche&#8217;s withdrawal from the Hypercar category and Ford&#8217;s arrival with its own factory programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The manufacturer is preparing to compete in both Formula 1 and the WEC at the highest level, with Fornaroli maintaining responsibilities across the two programmes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Fornaroli keeps F1 ambitions alive with McLaren<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the WEC programme provides Fornaroli with a full-time racing opportunity, the Italian has not abandoned his Formula 1 ambitions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He will continue as McLaren&#8217;s reserve driver in 2027, participating in simulator development, testing activities and Grand Prix weekends when required.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The arrangement allows him to remain involved in the team&#8217;s Formula 1 operation while gaining race experience in the WEC.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His position also reflects the limited opportunities available in Formula 1 for young drivers, particularly at established teams with long-term contracts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Norris and Piastri remain McLaren&#8217;s race drivers, leaving Fornaroli without an immediate opening in the team&#8217;s Grand Prix line-up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Another Ferrari junior, <a href=\"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/f1\/haas-confirms-ferrari-protege-rafael-camara-for-2027-as-ocon-loses-f1-seat\/\"><strong>Rafael C\u00e2mara, recently secured a Haas race seat for 2027<\/strong><\/a>, illustrating the different paths available to drivers emerging from Formula 2.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Fornaroli will instead combine his McLaren reserve duties with a programme that includes the WEC&#8217;s major endurance events and the 24 Hours of Le Mans.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Italian acknowledged that racing at Le Mans had been a long-standing ambition.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">&#8220;Le Mans has always been a dream of mine,&#8221; he told <em>Autosport<\/em>, explaining that he had followed the event for years and had not expected to compete there so early in his career.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Leonardo Fornaroli will race McLaren&#8217;s new MCL-HY in the 2027 World Endurance Championship and at Le Mans while remaining the Formula 1 team&#8217;s reserve driver, joining an experienced Hypercar line-up.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1010404990,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"42wp_featured_image_caption":"Leonardo Fornaroli","42wp_featured_image_credits":"McLaren","42wp_featured_video":"","42wp_ai_content_disclaimer":"","42wp_is_ai_content":false,"42wp_featured_image_hidden":false,"42wp_authors_list":[{"id":59,"location":""}],"footnotes":"","42wp_hide_from_automatic":false,"42wp_breaking_news":false},"categories":[47],"tags":[503,665,10,50],"42wp_author":[59],"class_list":["post-4174","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-wec","tag-le-mans","tag-leonardo-fornaroli","tag-mclaren","tag-wec","42wp_author-fabricio-carvalho"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4174","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=4174"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4174\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":4175,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/4174\/revisions\/4175"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1010404990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=4174"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=4174"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=4174"},{"taxonomy":"42wp_author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/grandepremio.com\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/42wp_author?post=4174"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}