McLaren have unveiled their complete driver roster for the forthcoming campaign, with reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli stepping up to serve as reserve driver for the Woking outfit.
The 21-year-old Italian, who has claimed both F2 and F3 titles, will share reserve duties with Mexican IndyCar star Pato O'Ward.
Fornaroli will undertake an extensive testing and simulator programme as the team prepares for Formula 1's new power unit regulations.
"I'm thrilled to be stepping into an extended role with the McLaren Formula 1 Team as Reserve Driver as part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme," said Fornaroli.
McLaren have confirmed their drivers line-up for the 2026 season as Lando Norris gets a new teammate
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"It's an exciting next step in my journey."
The Woking-based squad has also revealed its full nine-driver development programme for the season ahead.
Among the most intriguing additions is Ella Hakkinen, daughter of double world champion Mika Hakkinen.
The young Finn will embark upon an intensive Formula 4 single-seater testing programme in preparation for the following year.
Joining her in the talent pipeline are Christian Costoya, Matteo De Palo, Ella Lloyd, Ella Stevens, Dries Van Langendonck and Richard Verschoor.
Lando Norris became world champion last year | REUTERSBoth Van Langendonck and Costoya are making the step up to Formula 4, with the former having impressed during his single-seater debut at the conclusion of last year's European campaign.
Richard Verschoor, who secured third place in last year's Formula 2 standings, has been handed a pivotal role in McLaren's sportscar ambitions.
The 25-year-old Dutchman will compete in the European Le Mans Series with DUQUEINE Team, racing in the LMP2 category.
This programme forms part of McLaren's strategic preparations for their debut in the top class of the World Endurance Championship, scheduled for 2027.
Verschoor will simultaneously participate in testing across McLaren Racing's broader portfolio, which encompasses both IndyCar and WEC operations.
His appointment represents a somewhat unexpected move, having joined the development programme following his strong F2 campaign.
Leonardo Fornaroli has stepped up from the F2 to become McLaren's new reserve driver
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Alessandro Alunni Bravi, McLaren Racing's chief business affairs officer, expressed satisfaction with the assembled talent pool.
"We have selected an incredibly talented group of nine drivers, which shows the health of our talent pipeline," he remarked.
The Italian executive outlined the team's broader vision, noting ambitions to develop professional racers across multiple disciplines, with pathways leading to Formula 1, IndyCar and the forthcoming World Endurance Championship programme.
McLaren have also strengthened their commitment to the F1 Academy series, entering two cars for Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens as part of efforts to expand opportunities for women in motorsport.