F2’s Leonardo Fornaroli and Richard Verschoor have joined McLaren’s Driver Development Programme.
Fornaroli’s arrival at McLaren comes after he became the fifth driver to win consecutive F3 and F2 titles, albeit the first to achieve that feat without any F1 backing until now which has left the Italian “incredibly proud” to secure a place on McLaren’s Driver Development Programme.
The 20 year-old Italian added that the F3 and F2 titles marked a huge move forward in his F1 ambitions.
“Winning both the FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles has been an important step in my journey, and I’m motivated to take the next step in my development through the programme as I work toward my ultimate goal of racing at the highest level.
“I’m very grateful to McLaren for this opportunity, and to everyone who has supported me throughout my career so far. I can’t wait to get started and work closely with the rest of the team.”
Verschoor meanwhile sits third in the F2 standings in a campaign where he has taken four race victories in his fifth season in the category, having often outperformed his machinery in less competitive teams.
“I’m delighted to be part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme. It’s a special moment, and I’m grateful for McLaren’s support in allowing me to continue my development within the programme. I’m excited to get going and work hard with the team in the coming months.”
McLaren have also signed Christian Costoya following his FIA Karting Europe title success this season and the 15 year-old Spaniard is “very excited” to become part of the Driver Development Programme ahead of his single-seater debut in the F4 Middle East Championship.
“It is great to get the team’s support and be in an environment that is known for developing great drivers. My thanks go to the McLaren team for this great opportunity.”
McLaren’s Chief Business Affairs Officer, Alessandro Alunni Bravi is “delighted” to recruit Fornaroli and Verschoor who he consider to be “leading drivers” on the junior ladder, whilst Costoya joins Dries Van Langendonck in having just come out of karting with huge potential.
“All three talented drivers have shown great race craft with multiple wins this season, alongside a number of impressive performances in their respective championships. By welcoming Christian to the programme alongside long-standing member, Dries Van Langendonck, we now also have two of the most promising drivers coming out of karting.”
Alunni Bravi added that McLaren need to keep continuing to develop their drivers to maximise their racing options across multiple series and beyond their time with the team.
“It is a key priority that we continue to develop our talent pipeline to provide options for all of our expanding racing teams.
“We look forward to working closely with all our drivers in 2026 as they continue their individual development at various stages of their career with the support of the programme through a wide range of testing and progression opportunities across all of our racing series.”
Leave a Reply