# McLaren keeps Fornaroli for 2027 F1 and WEC

> McLaren gives Leonardo Fornaroli F1 reserve role and WEC program for 2027.
- Title: McLaren keeps Fornaroli for 2027 F1 and WEC · Autosport
- Summary: McLaren gives Leonardo Fornaroli F1 reserve role and WEC program for 2027. McLaren retains Leonardo Fornaroli as F1 reserve and third driver for 2027 while…
- Keywords: mclaren, leoneardo fornaroli, wec, 2027, hypercar, le mans, sports, cars, keeps, Fornaroli, Autosport
- Source: Autosport — https://autosport.com/f1/news/mclaren-retains-fornaroli-as-f1-reserve-and-hands-him-wec-programme-for-2027/10866226
- Author: Roberto Chinchero
- Published: 2026-10-19T11:01:36+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: mclaren, leoneardo fornaroli, f1, wec, 2027, hypercar, le mans, sports, cars
## McLaren confirms Fornaroli as 2027 F1 reserve
McLaren has confirmed Leonardo Fornaroli as their F1 reserve and third driver for 2027.
## Fornaroli takes on WEC program for 2027
Fornaroli will also compete in World Endurance Championship with McLaren's new Hypercar for 2027.
## Fornaroli's development program continues
Fornaroli completed Testing of Previous Cars sessions, two Grand Prix free practices and simulator work with McLaren in 2026.
## Fornaroli praises McLaren's support
Fornaroli said McLaren's program has been 'incredible' with valuable experiences from TPC, FP1 sessions and simulator work.

> The programme McLaren has given me this year has been incredible
## Fornaroli prepares for Hypercar debut
Fornaroli completed a single lap of McLaren's Hypercar, experiencing electric power before combustion engine activation.

> Getting into a closed cockpit for the first time, shutting the door and setting off first on electric power before the combustion engine kicked in was something completely new to me
## Fornaroli confident in WEC debut
Fornaroli believes McLaren's driver line-up and engineering skills will succeed in WEC debut season.

> The engineers are highly skilled, and so are the mechanics. We're talking about McLaren, a team that has achieved some incredible successes throughout motorsport history
## Fornaroli wants to race again
Fornaroli expressed missing racing after observing F1 teams as a reserve driver for a season.

> Yes, I've really missed racing
## Fornaroli aims for Le Mans 2027
Fornaroli hopes to compete at Le Mans in 2027 after dreaming of the race for years.

> Le Mans has always been a dream of mine. I never expected to have the opportunity to race there as early as next year
## Fornaroli's dual role for 2027
Fornaroli will maintain F1 role while developing McLaren's Hypercar for WEC competition.
## Key takeaway

McLaren retains Leonardo Fornaroli as F1 reserve and third driver for 2027 while handing him World Endurance Championship program.