McLaren Names Leonardo Fornaroli and Pato O’Ward as 2026 Formula 1 Reserve Drivers

Woking, UK: McLaren Racing has confirmed that FIA Formula 2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli and NTT INDYCAR SERIES star Pato O’Ward will serve as Reserve Drivers for the McLaren Mastercard Formula 1 Team in 2026, as the team also unveiled the full McLaren Driver Development Programme and racing line-up for the upcoming season.

Fornaroli will combine his new Reserve Driver duties with an expanded role as Test and Development Driver, while continuing his progression within McLaren’s talent pipeline. O’Ward, who remains a key figure for Arrow McLaren in IndyCar, will continue in his role as Formula 1 Reserve Driver alongside his championship campaign in North America.

Fornaroli Steps Up After Formula 2 Title

Fresh from winning the FIA Formula 2 Championship, Fornaroli’s promotion marks a significant milestone in his career. In 2026, he will undertake an intensive testing and simulator programme, providing critical support to the Formula 1 team as the sport prepares for a new era of technical regulations.

The Italian driver will also continue his involvement in McLaren’s broader development structure, contributing valuable feedback across the team’s single-seater programmes.

O’Ward Continues Dual Role in F1 and IndyCar

O’Ward’s continued appointment reflects McLaren’s confidence in his experience and technical feedback. Alongside his Formula 1 Reserve role, the Mexican driver will remain focused on his IndyCar title challenge with Arrow McLaren, further strengthening McLaren’s cross-category racing ecosystem.

McLaren Confirms 2026 Driver Development Programme Line-up

McLaren also confirmed the full 2026 Driver Development Programme, led by Chief Business Affairs Officer Alessandro Alunni Bravi, reinforcing the team’s long-term commitment to nurturing talent across Formula 1, IndyCar and its upcoming World Endurance Championship (WEC) entry.

The 2026 McLaren Driver Development Programme includes:

• Christian Costoya
• Matteo De Palo
• Leonardo Fornaroli
• Ella Häkkinen
• Ella Lloyd
• Pato O’Ward
• Ella Stevens
• Dries Van Langendonck
• Richard Verschoor

Racing Programmes Across Global Championships

Several programme drivers will take key steps up the motorsport ladder in 2026. Richard Verschoor will compete in the European Le Mans Series (LMP2) with DUQUEINE Team, supporting McLaren’s preparations for its WEC debut.
Matteo De Palo graduates to FIA Formula 3 with Trident Motorsport, while Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens will represent McLaren in F1 Academy, highlighting the team’s expanding commitment to women in motorsport.

Further progression sees Dries Van Langendonck step into British Formula 4, Christian Costoya move up from karting into Formula 4 competition, and Ella Häkkinen undertake an intensive single-seater testing programme in preparation for 2027.

Team Reaction

Alessandro Alunni Bravi said the programme reflects the strength of McLaren’s talent pipeline. “We have selected an incredibly talented group of nine drivers, which shows the health of our development pathway as we progress drivers toward Formula 1, IndyCar and the World Endurance Championship.”

Fornaroli described his Reserve Driver appointment as “an exciting next step,” while O’Ward highlighted the value of continued Formula 1 testing alongside his IndyCar campaign.