McLaren Confirm Driver Change for 2026 Season as Statement Issued
McLaren are defending both world titles in 2026.
Marcus Chan
McLaren have confirmed their driver line-up ahead of the 2026 Formula 1 season.
In 2025, McLaren enjoyed a successful season as they defended the constructors' title, finishing ahead of Mercedes, Red Bull and Ferrari.
Meanwhile, Lando Norris won the driver's world championship as he finished two points ahead of Max Verstappen, becoming McLaren's first world champion since Lewis Hamilton in 2008.
With the new season under two months away, McLaren have confirmed their reserve drivers for the 2026 campaign.
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During the 2025 season, the likes of Pato O'Ward and Alex Dunne were seen taking part in FP1 sessions as part of the FIA's mandatory rookie testing programme.
However, Dunne announced in October that he had left McLaren, with the Papaya Team swiftly announcing Leonardo Fornaroli as a replacement on their development programme.
On Thursday, McLaren confirmed that Fornaroli, along with O'Ward, will share the role as reserve drivers.
A statement read: "McLaren Racing today announced that FIA Formula 2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli will take up the role of 2026 McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team Reserve Driver alongside his duties as a Test and Development driver within the McLaren Driver Development Programme.
"In addition to his Championship pursuit with Arrow McLaren in the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, Pato O’Ward will also continue in his role as Reserve Driver for the team."
Speaking after the announcement, Fornaoli said: "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.
"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. A big thank you to Zak, Andrea and Alessandro for this opportunity."
Fornaroli, 21, is one of the highest-rated drivers in motorsport, having previously won the F2 and F3 titles.
Looking ahead, he is set to be involved in testing and sim programmes in order to help his own and McLaren's development as the sport heads into a new era of new regulations.