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McLaren signs Leonardo Fornaroli and Pato O'Ward as 2026 F1 reserve drivers

The McLaren F1 team has confirmed reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and IndyCar star Pato O'Ward as its 2026 reserve drivers.

Fornaroli was snapped up by McLaren in December after securing the F2 championship, joining its driver development programme. As part of those duties the Italian will be its designated reserve driver for the majority of the 2026 season, supporting regular racers Oscar Piastri and world champion Lando Norris. As part of the deal, McLaren explained Fornaroli "would undertake an intensive testing and sim programme to aid his development".

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