F1 2026: McLaren names Fornaroli and O’Ward as reserves
Formula Two champion Leonardo Fornaroli and IndyCar racer Pato O’Ward will be McLaren’s reserve drivers this season, the reigning Formula One constructors’ champion said on Thursday.
Italian Fornaroli, 21, joined McLaren last month in a test and development role and will continue those duties supporting Britain’s world champion Lando Norris and Australian teammate Oscar Piastri.
Mexican O’Ward, who will continue to race in U.S.-based IndyCars, was also a reserve last season.
Dutch driver Richard Verschoor, third in F2 last year, will compete in the European Le Mans series and test for McLaren as the team prepare to enter the hypercar category of the World Endurance Championship in 2027.
The Formula One season starts in Australia on March 8.
Published on Jan 15, 2026