McLaren lock in Fornaroli and O’Ward as Reserve Drivers for 2026

Written by Kavi Khandelwal, Edited by Marit Everett

The reigning Formula One World Constructors' Champions, McLaren, have officially reinforced their roster for the 2026 season. They have appointed reigning FIA Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and IndyCar star Pato O'Ward as the team's official reserve drivers.

Credit: McLaren

The announcement was shared as McLaren prepare for a landmark season with Lando Norris defending his maiden Drivers' Championship, alongside his teammate Oscar Piastri.

Fornaroli, who secured the F2 title in a dramatic 2025 campaign, will serve as the primary reserve driver for the majority of the season. The 21-year-old Italian will undertake an intensive testing and simulator development programme designed to integrate him fully into the F1 operation.

Fornaroli expressed his gratitude to CEO Zak Brown and Team Principal Andrea Stella, stating that contributing to a championship-winning team is the next vital step in his journey toward a full-time seat in the pinnacle of motorsport.

"I’m thrilled to be stepping into an extended role," Fornaroli said. "It’s an exciting next step in my journey, and I’m looking forward to contributing to such a successful, championship-winning team."

Complementing Fornaroli is the veteran speed of O’Ward. The Mexican driver continues his long-standing partnership with the Woking-based outfit, balancing his F1 reserve duties with his primary championship assault in the NTT IndyCar Series for Arrow McLaren.

O’Ward remains a critical asset for the team, providing a high-level safety net for the F1 squad whenever his American racing schedule allows.

“I’ve learned an incredible amount from testing and driving F1 cars over the past few years, so I am looking forward to this continued growth,” O’Ward remarked.

The reserve appointments are part of a broader expansion of the McLaren Driver Development Programme under Chief Business Affairs Officer Alessandro Alunni Bravi. The team has confirmed a diverse nine-driver talent pool for 2026, including Richard Verschoor, who will transition into the European Le Mans Series to prepare for McLaren’s 2027 Hypercar entry.

Other key members of the 2026 development roster include FIA Formula 3 competitor Matteo De Palo and karting prodigy Dries Van Langendonck, who will be making the jump to British F4.

McLaren's young drivers programme also highlights a strong female presence with Ella Lloyd and Ella Stevens, both of whom are competing in F1 Academy. Along with them, McLaren has signed Ella Häkkinen, who will begin a dedicated F4 testing programme.

With the sport entering a new era of technical regulations starting from the 2026 season, McLaren's comprehensive driver strategy showcases a clear intent to maintain their position at the front of the grid by cultivating both immediate backup and long-term racing talent.