F1’s 2026 Season Welcomes New Faces
Italian driver Leonardo Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion, has been appointed as a Reserve Driver for the upcoming Formula 1 season. Fornaroli will also take part in an intensive testing and sim program to support the team, with opportunities for FP1 outings during the season.
Meanwhile, Pato O’Ward will continue his dual role, balancing commitments to the Arrow McLaren IndyCar squad and providing backup for the Formula 1 team. O’Ward has been a regular in FP1 sessions in recent seasons.
The 2026 lineup boasts a mix of promising talent, including Christian Costoya, Matteo De Palo, Ella Hakkinen, Ella Lloyd, Ella Stevens, Dries Van Langendonck, and Richard Verschoor.
In preparation for entering the World Endurance Championship, McLaren has enlisted Richard Verschoor to compete in the European Le Mans Series as part of a strategic testing initiative. Verschoor, who finished third in F2 last year, joined McLaren in a surprise move.
McLaren is also expanding its commitment to the F1 Academy series by fielding two cars, with Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens as drivers, in a bid to create more opportunities for women in motorsport. Ella Hakkinen, daughter of two-time world champion Mika Hakkinen, will be competing in Formula Four.
Rising stars Dries Van Langendonck and Christian Costoya are making the leap to Formula 4, marking a significant progression in their racing careers. Van Langendonck impressed with his single-seater debut at the close of the 2025 European season.