MCLAREN SIGNS THREE NEW NAMES IN THEIR DRIVERS DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM
McLaren Racing today announced that 2025 FIA Formula 2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli, 2019 Macau Grand Prix in FIA F3 World Cup winner Richard Verschoor and 2025 FIA Karting European Champion Christian Costoya have joined the McLaren Driver Development Programme.
2025 FIA Formula 2 World Champion Leonardo Fornaroli will join the McLaren Formula 1 team in 2026 with a test and development role, aiming to get a seat in the major category in 2027.
Since both Norris and Piastri have a contract with the british team valid until 2027 and 2028 respectively, at the moment it appears difficult for Leonardo to have chance with the Papayas in Formula 1 within 2027, but with many contracts ending in 2026 anything could happen, with WEC still being a possibility for the Italian driver as well.
“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.
“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.” – Leonardo Fornaroli
2019 Macau Grand Prix in FIA F3 World Cup winner Rischard Verschoor joins McLaren. He currently sits in third position in the 2025 FIA Formula 2 Championship with only one race left in Abu Dhabi on Sunday, 7 December.
While McLaren revealed Fornaroli’s new role in their Formula 1 team, they didn’t make a clear statement on Verschoor’s one. Richard could have a chance in McLaren’s upcoming World Endurance Championship entry in 2027.
“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.” – Richard Verschoor
2025 FIA European Karting champion Christian Costoya joins McLaren.
Costoya has also been crowned vice-champion in both the 2023 FIA Karting World Championship and 2024 FIA Karting European Championship.
As an initial step in his development pathway, Christian will make his single-seater debut in the upcoming 2026 F4 Middle East Championship at Yas Marina Circuit on 16-18 January.
“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.” – Christian Costoya
Fornaroli, Verschoor and Costoya joins many other drivers as part of the McLaren Driver Development Program such as: Pato O’Ward, Dries van Langendonck, Ella Lloyd, Matteo De Palo, Ella Stevens and Ella Häkkinen.
Share this content:
