McLaren Reserve Driver Fornaroli to Test for Haas

McLaren reserve driver and reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has been given the opportunity to test for the Haas Formula 1 team during a Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) session at the Jerez Circuit in Spain. The test, scheduled for June 17 and 18, will see Fornaroli drive the team's 2025 challenger, the VF-25. Haas' reserve driver, Ryo Hirakawa, will also be in attendance, returning to F1 machinery after finishing third at the Le Mans 24 Hours.

Haas released a statement confirming the test, stating: "TGR Haas F1 Team has the capacity to test and appraise drivers through its TPC program. Leonardo Fornaroli, the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Champion, has subsequently been offered the opportunity to drive its VF-25 at the Circuito de Jerez – Angel Nieto, Spain, 17-18 June, with TGR Haas F1 Team reserve driver Ryo Hirakawa also in attendance at the test."

Fornaroli, who secured back-to-back titles in F3 and F2 between 2024 and 2025, has already caught the attention of McLaren by being signed as one of their reserve drivers for the 2025 season. He previously tested McLaren's 2023 car and recently completed his first Free Practice 1 (FP1) session ahead of the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, taking over Lando Norris' MCL40. In that session, Fornaroli recorded the fifth fastest time, only 0.6 seconds behind Oscar Piastri in the sister McLaren.

"Was amazing, incredible feeling, I was very emotional before the session," Fornaroli said after his FP1 outing. "First official F1 session, sharing the track with all the drivers that I'm watching on the TV every race weekend, saying 'those guys are amazing, super fast'. To stay on track with them was incredible."

This test with Haas represents a significant step in Fornaroli's career as he continues to gain experience in Formula 1 machinery. With his strong performances in lower categories and recent FP1 outing, he is demonstrating his readiness to compete at the highest level.