Fornaroli stays with McLaren in F1 while adding 2027 WEC role
Leonardo Fornaroli will remain McLaren's Formula 1 reserve and third driver in 2027. He will also compete in the World Endurance Championship with McLaren's new Hypercar. Fornaroli discussed his early driving impressions, his wish to race, and his Le Mans goal.
Leonardo Fornaroli will keep his McLaren Formula 1 reserve and third-driver position in 2027 while also racing for McLaren in the World Endurance Championship with its new Hypercar. The arrangement shows a driver holding a support role in one championship while competing in another. Fornaroli has spoken about his early driving impressions, his wish to race, and his Le Mans goal. The story connects Formula 1’s reserve-driver pathway with endurance racing’s Hypercar era, though no further schedule or performance details are provided.
The news may appeal to Formula 1 and endurance racing fans, giving McLaren followers two storylines to track. It could introduce WEC’s Hypercar class and Le Mans to casual F1 viewers, potentially widening interest in endurance events. For young drivers, it may suggest that reserve roles can coexist with race programs, though such opportunities remain limited. Sponsors and broadcasters could also see cross-promotional value across both championships.