McLaren has signed new F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli to a test and development role, while also adding F2 race winner Richard Verscholl to its young driver program.
Fornaroli joins Gabriel Bortleto, Oscar Piastri, George Russell and Charles Leclerc in winning back-to-back F3 (or GP3) and F2 championships as a rookie, winning his latest title in Qatar on Sunday. The Italian has not previously been with an F1 team, but RACER understands McLaren competed for interest from a number of rivals to secure his contract.
“After another year of success on the track, I am very proud to be joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme,” said Fornaroli. “Winning both the FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles was an important step in my journey and I am motivated to take the next step in my development through the program while working towards the ultimate goal of racing at the highest level.”
“I’m very grateful to McLaren for this opportunity and everyone who has supported me throughout my career. I can’t wait to get started and work closely with the rest of the team.”
Richard Verschoor was also acquired by McLaren. Dom Gibbons/Getty Images)
“I am delighted to be joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme,” Verschoor said. “This is a special moment and I am grateful to McLaren for their support in allowing us to continue our development within the program. I am excited to work hard with the team over the coming months.”
Verschoor has competed in F2 for the past five seasons, but this will be his second time joining an F1 program, having joined Red Bull in 2017. In addition to the two F2 graduates, Spanish karting talent Cristian Kostya has also been signed ahead of his promotion to single-seaters.
“McLaren Racing is delighted to welcome two of F2’s current leading drivers, this year’s champion Leonardo Fornaroli and former championship candidate and fellow frontrunner Richard Verscholl, to the McLaren Racing driver development program, as well as proven karting champion Christian Kostya,” said McLaren Chief Executive Officer Alessandro Arunni Bravi.
“All three talented drivers have delivered a number of impressive performances in their respective championships this season, as well as taking multiple wins and demonstrating great racing skills. The addition of Christian to the program alongside long-time member Dries van Langendonk means we have two of the most promising drivers from karting.”
“Continuing to develop our talent pipeline to provide options for all our expanding racing teams is a key priority. We look forward to working closely with all our drivers in 2026 as they continue their personal development at various stages of their careers with the support of our program through extensive testing and progression opportunities across all racing series.”
