{"id":1873474,"date":"2026-04-08T08:36:00","date_gmt":"2026-04-08T05:36:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873474"},"modified":"2026-04-08T08:36:00","modified_gmt":"2026-04-08T05:36:00","slug":"mclaren-hands-f2-champion-silverstone-f1-test","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1873474","title":{"rendered":"McLaren hands F2 champion Silverstone F1 test"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/leonardo_fornaroli_silverstone_5.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;]<\/p>\n<article>\n<header id=\"lbs-article\" class=\"article header article-header section layout layout--article-header\">\n<div class=\"col headline\">\n<div>\n<h1>McLaren hands F2 champion Silverstone F1 test<\/h1>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Leonardo Fornaroli has continued his Formula 1 preparations in a test at Silverstone with McLaren.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"section two-column\">\n<div class=\"col article-info\">\n<div>\n<address> Sam Hall <\/address>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div><time datetime=\"2026-04-08T09:36:00+01:00\">08 Apr 2026<\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col article-actions\">\n<div class=\"block block-better-social-sharing-buttons block-social-sharing-buttons-block\">\n<div class=\"social-sharing-buttons\"><span class=\"ssb-title\"> Share<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div id=\"lbs-content\" class=\"content wide-two-column-sticky section layout layout--wide-two-column-sticky\">\n<div class=\"col first-column\">\n<div>\n<div>\n<figure> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/leonardo_fornaroli_silverstone_5.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/leonardo_fornaroli_silverstone_5.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/leonardo_fornaroli_silverstone_5.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/leonardo_fornaroli_silverstone_5.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/leonardo_fornaroli_silverstone_5.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/leonardo_fornaroli_silverstone_5.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/leonardo_fornaroli_silverstone_5.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/leonardo_fornaroli_silverstone_5.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/leonardo_fornaroli_silverstone_5.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><figcaption>\n<div>Fornaroli at Silverstone.<\/div>\n<div class=\"source\"> \u00a9\u00a0McLaren Racing<\/div>\n<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-preferred-source\">\n<div class=\"preferred-source-cta\">  Add as a preferred source <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>McLaren has handed Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli his second Formula 1 test after being confirmed as a reserve driver for the 2026 season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Fornaroli is one of the hottest prospects in motorsport at this moment, having won both the Formula 3 and F2 titles back-to-back. This saw him follow in the footsteps of Charles Leclerc &#8211; when F3 was GP3 -, George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Gabriel Bortoleto.<\/p>\n<p>Adding to the Italian 21-year-old&#8217;s stock is the fact that he achieved this without the backing of an F1 young driver programme, with McLaren only signing him over the winter, following his success in F2.<\/p>\n<p>F1 teams are permitted to complete in-season testing of previous cars [TPC] running, and McLaren used this to add to Fornaroli&#8217;s experience from Barcelona in March, to give further laps at Silverstone on Tuesday, in what the team described as an &#8220;evolution&#8221; of his initial test.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnother good day on track &#8211; it was amazing to be back in the MCL60,&#8221; said Fornaroli. &#8220;Silverstone is one of my favourite circuits, so I\u2019m grateful to McLaren for the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car there.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cWith it being my second test, the run plan was more advanced, so I got to try some different setups and run with different levels of fuel, which continues to support my understanding of driving a Formula 1 car. I\u2019m very happy with today, and I continued to make improvements from my test a few weeks ago, getting even more comfortable with these machines.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI look forward to continuing to test this year, something that is very important as part of my role as McLaren Mastercard Reserve Driver, and for my development within the DDP programme.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-1a2fa5b4877515338cfde8a1edd808c7c150166dd0df387d4550e014a3db0be4\">  Why crucial F1 rules decisions won\u2019t be made in this week\u2019s meeting   Why Oscar Piastri believes Mercedes is beatable in F1 2026 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The test saw Fornaroli complete 68 laps, 393km, with the programme focusing on long runs, low fuel loads, and saw him try both the hard and soft compound tyres.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Initially signed to McLaren&#8217;s Driver Development Programme, the Italian has since been confirmed as an official reserve driver for the season, a role he shares with IndyCar driver Pato O&#8217;Ward.<\/p>\n<p>With teams required to make each car available twice in FP1 sessions for rookie drivers, it is expected that Fornaroli will make his official F1 debut later this year, while O&#8217;Ward will add to his previous outings.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f0cc483fa03f0e0e40f2ef11f1f26120c32c18f8e689bd5734b68ee22794b89b\">  McLaren seeing \u201cthe strongest Oscar since he\u2019s been in F1\u201d after early setbacks   Lando Norris reveals why he struggled more than Oscar Piastri in Japan <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div>\n<h2>In this article<\/h2>\n<div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">F1<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">2026<\/div>\n<div class=\"field_keywords\">McLaren<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"block block-next-prev\">\n<div class=\"next-prev-pager contextual-region\">\n<div class=\"items\">\n<div class=\"item prev\">\n<h3>  Previous<\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> Outspoken race winner claims F1 \u201cdoesn\u2019t need\u201d Max Verstappen<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404684_hires.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404684_hires.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404684_hires.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404684_hires.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404684_hires.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404684_hires.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404684_hires.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404684_hires.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/xpb_1404684_hires.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"item next\">\n<h3> Next <\/h3>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\"> F1 championship leader Kimi Antonelli hints at \u201cmajor changes\u201d coming for Ferrari<\/div>\n<source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=1920&amp;format=webp 1920w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=1800&amp;format=webp 1800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=1600&amp;format=webp 1600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=1500&amp;format=webp 1500w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=1200&amp;format=webp 1200w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=900&amp;format=webp 900w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=800&amp;format=webp 800w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=600&amp;format=webp 600w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/m586525_f1_grand_prix_of_china.jpg?width=400&amp;format=webp 400w\" sizes=\"(min-width:1024px) 710px, (min-width:768px) 62vw, 97vw\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-author-block block block-configurable-views-block\">\n<div class=\"author-view grid-view js-view-dom-id-251e8dbffd195db66b2954770ea5efd071bef78ebc4a7d393d385c1d07f11c0f\">\n<div class=\"card user default\">\n<div class=\"image\"> <source srcset=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=270&amp;format=webp 270w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=180&amp;format=webp 180w,https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/pictures\/whatsapp-image-2026-03-05-at-12.30.04.jpeg?height=90&amp;format=webp 90w\" sizes=\"100px\" type=\"image\/webp\" \/><\/div>\n<div class=\"info\">\n<div class=\"header\">\n<div class=\"text\">\n<div class=\"name\">Sam Hall<\/div>\n<div class=\"role\">F1 Writer<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"desc\">\n<p>Sam joined Crash.net in February 2026 with extensive experience in motorsport media, having covered numerous championships around the world.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"views-element-container block block-views-blockrelated-content-related-content-block\">\n<h3>More News<\/h3>\n<div class=\"grid-view grid-2 js-view-dom-id-6bff8ee78222687cb6f5093ad6a7f6fccb4df8de84f417671f8887e6a2237bef\">\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Did race-altering safety car really rob Piastri of Japanese GP win?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774868831\"> 30\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/2268873472.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Piastri looked to be in control of the race before the safety car\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>F1 drivers \u201cat the mercy of what\u2019s behind\u201d as they\u2019re \u201cnot in control\u201d of deployment<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774776781\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404425_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lando Norris, McLaren Racing, 2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  Race Report <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Antonelli scores historic F1 Japanese GP win after safety car boost<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774766861\"> 29\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404488_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli has become F1's youngest title leader\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>How costly has Lando Norris\u2019 lack of Japan F1 track time been?<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774693653\"> 28\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403798_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Lando Norris, McLaren Racing, 2026 Japanese GP\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Antonelli beats Russell to pole as Verstappen suffers Suzuka shocker<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774681670\"> 28\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1404056_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Antonelli celebrates his second F1 career pole position in Japan\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<div class=\"card card_default\">\n<div class=\"content\">\n<div class=\"links\">\n<div class=\"sections\"> F1  News <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Norris already on last penalty-free battery amid more engine issues<\/p>\n<div class=\"card-info\">\n<div class=\"time\" data-timestamp=\"1774674998\"> 28\/03\/26<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-03\/xpb_1403363_hires.jpg?aspect_ratio=1:1\" alt=\"Norris finished sixth fastest in final practice\" loading=\"lazy\"><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"col second-column\">\n<div class=\"sticky\">\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"summary body\">\n<p>Leonardo Fornaroli has continued his Formula 1 preparations in a test at Silverstone with McLaren.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>McLaren has handed Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli his second Formula 1 test after being confirmed as a reserve driver for the 2026 season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Fornaroli is one of the hottest prospects in motorsport at this moment, having won both the Formula 3 and F2 titles back-to-back. This saw him follow in the footsteps of Charles Leclerc &#8211; when F3 was GP3 -, George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Gabriel Bortoleto.<\/p>\n<p>Adding to the Italian 21-year-old&#8217;s stock is the fact that he achieved this without the backing of an F1 young driver programme, with McLaren only signing him over the winter, following his success in F2.<\/p>\n<p>F1 teams are permitted to complete in-season testing of previous cars [TPC] running, and McLaren used this to add to Fornaroli&#8217;s experience from Barcelona in March, to give further laps at Silverstone on Tuesday, in what the team described as an &#8220;evolution&#8221; of his initial test.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnother good day on track &#8211; it was amazing to be back in the MCL60,&#8221; said Fornaroli. &#8220;Silverstone is one of my favourite circuits, so I\u2019m grateful to McLaren for the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car there.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cWith it being my second test, the run plan was more advanced, so I got to try some different setups and run with different levels of fuel, which continues to support my understanding of driving a Formula 1 car. I\u2019m very happy with today, and I continued to make improvements from my test a few weeks ago, getting even more comfortable with these machines.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI look forward to continuing to test this year, something that is very important as part of my role as McLaren Mastercard Reserve Driver, and for my development within the DDP programme.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-1a2fa5b4877515338cfde8a1edd808c7c150166dd0df387d4550e014a3db0be4\">  Why crucial F1 rules decisions won\u2019t be made in this week\u2019s meeting   Why Oscar Piastri believes Mercedes is beatable in F1 2026 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The test saw Fornaroli complete 68 laps, 393km, with the programme focusing on long runs, low fuel loads, and saw him try both the hard and soft compound tyres.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Initially signed to McLaren&#8217;s Driver Development Programme, the Italian has since been confirmed as an official reserve driver for the season, a role he shares with IndyCar driver Pato O&#8217;Ward.<\/p>\n<p>With teams required to make each car available twice in FP1 sessions for rookie drivers, it is expected that Fornaroli will make his official F1 debut later this year, while O&#8217;Ward will add to his previous outings.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f0cc483fa03f0e0e40f2ef11f1f26120c32c18f8e689bd5734b68ee22794b89b\">  McLaren seeing \u201cthe strongest Oscar since he\u2019s been in F1\u201d after early setbacks   Lando Norris reveals why he struggled more than Oscar Piastri in Japan <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"body\">\n<p>McLaren has handed Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli his second Formula 1 test after being confirmed as a reserve driver for the 2026 season.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Fornaroli is one of the hottest prospects in motorsport at this moment, having won both the Formula 3 and F2 titles back-to-back. This saw him follow in the footsteps of Charles Leclerc &#8211; when F3 was GP3 -, George Russell, Oscar Piastri, and Gabriel Bortoleto.<\/p>\n<p>Adding to the Italian 21-year-old&#8217;s stock is the fact that he achieved this without the backing of an F1 young driver programme, with McLaren only signing him over the winter, following his success in F2.<\/p>\n<p>F1 teams are permitted to complete in-season testing of previous cars [TPC] running, and McLaren used this to add to Fornaroli&#8217;s experience from Barcelona in March, to give further laps at Silverstone on Tuesday, in what the team described as an &#8220;evolution&#8221; of his initial test.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>\u201cAnother good day on track &#8211; it was amazing to be back in the MCL60,&#8221; said Fornaroli. &#8220;Silverstone is one of my favourite circuits, so I\u2019m grateful to McLaren for the opportunity to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car there.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>\u201cWith it being my second test, the run plan was more advanced, so I got to try some different setups and run with different levels of fuel, which continues to support my understanding of driving a Formula 1 car. I\u2019m very happy with today, and I continued to make improvements from my test a few weeks ago, getting even more comfortable with these machines.<\/p>\n<p>\u201cI look forward to continuing to test this year, something that is very important as part of my role as McLaren Mastercard Reserve Driver, and for my development within the DDP programme.\u201d<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-1a2fa5b4877515338cfde8a1edd808c7c150166dd0df387d4550e014a3db0be4\">  Why crucial F1 rules decisions won\u2019t be made in this week\u2019s meeting   Why Oscar Piastri believes Mercedes is beatable in F1 2026 <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<p>The test saw Fornaroli complete 68 laps, 393km, with the programme focusing on long runs, low fuel loads, and saw him try both the hard and soft compound tyres.\u00a0<\/p>\n<p>Initially signed to McLaren&#8217;s Driver Development Programme, the Italian has since been confirmed as an official reserve driver for the season, a role he shares with IndyCar driver Pato O&#8217;Ward.<\/p>\n<p>With teams required to make each car available twice in FP1 sessions for rookie drivers, it is expected that Fornaroli will make his official F1 debut later this year, while O&#8217;Ward will add to his previous outings.<\/p>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-block\">\n<div class=\"mpu-title\"><span>Article continues below<\/span><span>ADVERTISEMENT<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block\">\n<div class=\"ins-related_content dsp-related_content_in_article_2\">\n<h2>Read More<\/h2>\n<div class=\"related-content-in-body js-view-dom-id-f0cc483fa03f0e0e40f2ef11f1f26120c32c18f8e689bd5734b68ee22794b89b\">  McLaren seeing \u201cthe strongest Oscar since he\u2019s been in F1\u201d after early setbacks   Lando Norris reveals why he struggled more than Oscar Piastri in Japan <\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<aside>\n<div class=\"block block-echobox\">\n<h2>Subscribe to our F1 Newsletter<\/h2>\n<div class=\"info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-info\" id=\"edit-info--2\">\n<p>Get the latest F1 news, exclusives, interviews and promotions from the paddock direct to your inbox<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"extra-info js-form-wrapper form-wrapper\" data-drupal-selector=\"edit-legal\" id=\"edit-legal--2\">\n<p>For more information see our Privacy Policy<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<\/div>\n<p>[analyse_source url=&#8221;http:\/\/crash.net\/f1\/news\/1092910\/1\/mclaren-hands-f2-champion-silverstone-f1-test&#8221;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>[analyse_image type=&#8221;featured&#8221; src=&#8221;https:\/\/cdn.crash.net\/2026-04\/leonardo_fornaroli_silverstone_5.jpg?width=1600&amp;aspect_ratio=16:9&#8243;] McLaren hands F2 champion Silverstone F1 test Leonardo Fornaroli has continued his Formula 1 preparations in a test at Silverstone with McLaren. Sam Hall 08 Apr 2026 Share Fornaroli at Silverstone. \u00a9\u00a0McLaren Racing Add as a preferred source McLaren has handed Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli his second Formula 1 test after [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[47,226],"class_list":["post-1873474","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-crash-net","tag-crawlmanager"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873474","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1873474"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1873474\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1873474"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1873474"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1873474"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}