Fornaroli signed by McLaren Driver Development Programme

The World Champions confirmed that Fornaroli, Richard Verschoor and Christian Costoya will all join the talent pathway that feeds Formula 1, IndyCar and McLaren’s incoming World Endurance Championship effort.

Fornaroli arrives as the newly crowned 2025 FIA Formula 2 Champion after a season that delivered four wins and five podiums. The 20-year-old Italian also became only the third driver to secure consecutive FIA Formula 3 and FIA Formula 2 titles, matching the pathway taken by current McLaren Formula 1 driver Oscar Piastri and programme graduate Gabriel Bortoleto.

Verschoor will take on a test and development role within the Formula 1 structure, joining with deep single-seater experience, including victory in the 2019 Macau Grand Prix FIA F3 World Cup. The 24-year-old Dutchman sits third in the 2025 FIA Formula 2 standings ahead of this weekend’s Abu Dhabi finale and becomes one of the programme’s most experienced additions.

Costoya, 15 years old from Spain, arrives with an extensive karting pedigree that includes the 2025 FIA Karting European Championship title and multiple podiums at world level. He will make his single seater debut in the 2026 F4 Middle East Championship at Yas Marina on 16 to 18 January.

All three drivers join a roster that already includes Pato O’Ward, Dries van Langendonck, Ella Lloyd, Matteo De Palo, Ella Stevens and Ella Häkkinen.

Alessandro Alunni Bravi said the team are pleased to secure three drivers who represent different stages of the talent ladder: “McLaren Racing are delighted to welcome two of Formula 2’s current leading drivers in this year’s Champion Leonardo Fornaroli and former Championship contender and fellow front runner Richard Verschoor, as well as proven karting champion, Christian Costoya, to the McLaren Racing Driver Development Programme.”

He added that the trio strengthen depth at both junior and senior levels: “All three talented drivers have shown great race craft with multiple wins this season, alongside a number of impressive performances in their respective championships. By welcoming Christian to the programme alongside long standing member, Dries Van Langendonck, we now also have two of the most promising drivers coming out of karting.”

He said the wider objective is clear: “It is a key priority that we continue to develop our talent pipeline to provide options for all of our expanding racing teams. We look forward to working closely with all our drivers in 2026 as they continue their individual development at various stages of their career with the support of the programme through a wide range of testing and progression opportunities across all of our racing series.”

Fornaroli said the move marks an important step in his climb toward Formula 1: “I’m incredibly proud to be joining the McLaren Driver Development Programme after another successful year on track. Winning both the FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles has been an important step in my journey, and I’m motivated to take the next step in my development through the programme as I work toward my ultimate goal of racing at the highest level.”

He added that he is ready to begin work with the team: “I’m very grateful to McLaren for this opportunity, and to everyone who has supported me throughout my career so far. I can’t wait to get started and work closely with the rest of the team.”

Verschoor described the moment as significant for his career progression: “I’m delighted to be part of the McLaren Driver Development Programme. It’s a special moment, and I’m grateful for McLaren’s support in allowing me to continue my development within the programme. I’m excited to get going and work hard with the team in the coming months.”

Costoya said the programme provides the ideal environment for the next phase of his career: “I am very excited to join the McLaren Driver Development Programme and become part of their talent pipeline. It is great to get the team’s support and be in an environment that is known for developing great drivers. My thanks go to the McLaren team for this great opportunity.”