Motor racing-F1 champions McLaren name Fornaroli and O'Ward as reserves


Formula One F1 - Qatar Grand Prix - Lusail International Circuit, Lusail, Qatar - November 30, 2025 Leonardo Fornaroli celebrates after winning the Formula 2 title. REUTERS/Jakub Porzycki

LONDON, Jan ‌15 (Reuters) - Formula Two champion Leonardo ‌Fornaroli and IndyCar racer Pato ‌O'Ward will be McLaren's reserve drivers this season, the reigning Formula One ‍champions 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.

(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Toby Davis)

Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel for breaking news alerts and key updates!

Next In Motorsport

Motor racing-Alpine F1 team part company with dropped Doohan
Motor racing-Mexico City's motorsport passion fuels Formula E's 150th race milestone
Motor racing-NASCAR commissioner Phelps to resign from role at end of January
Stolen stuff can’t steal joy from Qabil in memorable year
Hafizh stresses discipline and team trust for Hakim�to grow in Moto3
A season to remember for Naquib
JDT Motorsport rider Hafizh joins GTA roleplay scene
Hafizh still dreaming of MotoGP return
Motor racing-Binotto says Audi will have confidence and credibility for F1 debut
Motor racing-Verstappen to take Ricciardo's racing number three next season

Others Also Read