The endurance racing landscape is set to welcome an exceptional rising star as Leonardo Fornaroli has been officially confirmed for McLaren's factory Hypercar programme ahead of its highly anticipated FIA World Endurance Championship debut in 2027.
The 21-year-old Italian will successfully combine his ongoing responsibilities as the team's Formula 1 reserve driver with a competitive race seat in the top-tier endurance racing category.
This major announcement marks a significant chapter in Fornaroli's career trajectory, following his stellar junior single-seater campaigns where he claimed the FIA Formula 3 crown in 2024 before securing the Formula 2 title as a rookie in 2025.
After navigating a 2026 season without a full-time racing seat, the young Italian is now granted a lucrative opportunity to return to active competition with one of the most prestigious British racing outfits.
Fornaroli joins an already established roster that features experienced sportscar talents such as Alex Lynn, Laurens Vanthoor, and Mikkel Jensen, with two remaining seats still vacant.
Reflecting on his new multi-faceted role, Fornaroli expressed genuine excitement about transitioning into sportscar racing while staying deeply connected to the pinnacle of motorsport.
"Joining the McLaren Hypercar Team is an incredibly exciting next step in my career," he stated regarding his upcoming endurance racing commitments.
Team Principal James Barclay heavily praised the exceptional natural speed and racecraft that the young champion has consistently displayed throughout his rapid ascent through the motorsport ladder.
"Leo is an exceptional talent: winning Formula 3 is a significant achievement, but to follow that by winning Formula 2 as a rookie underlines his natural talent and makes him one of the most exciting drivers in motorsport," Barclay emphasized.
As preparations intensify behind the scenes, the British manufacturer continues to evaluate prospective candidates to finalize the final two positions within its developing Hypercar driver lineup.
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