McLaren Strengthens Driver Development Program with Fornaroli and Verschoor
Woking, UK — McLaren Racing has secured significant talent for its Driver Development Program by signing 2023 Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and race-winner Richard Verschoor. Additionally, Spanish karting prodigy Christian Costoya joins the initiative as he transitions to single-seaters.
Fornaroli clinched his championship title in Qatar, adding to a remarkable resume that includes back-to-back FIA Formula 3 and F2 titles as a rookie, joining elite company alongside Oscar Piastri and Charles Leclerc. Despite entering F1 without prior affiliation to a team, McLaren prevailed over competing interests to finalize the signing.
“I’m incredibly proud to join the McLaren Driver Development Program,” Fornaroli stated. “Winning both the FIA Formula 3 and Formula 2 titles has been a crucial step in my journey toward racing at the highest level.”
Verschoor, with five seasons of experience in F2 and a prior stint at Red Bull in 2017, expressed excitement about returning to an F1 program. “I’m delighted to be part of the McLaren Driver Development Program,” he said. “It’s a special moment, and I’m grateful for their support.”
McLaren’s Chief Business Affairs Officer, Alessandro Alunni Bravi, highlighted the strategic importance of these signings. “Each driver has displayed exceptional race craft, with multiple wins this season,” he noted. The integration of Costoya, along with established driver Dries Van Langendonck, emphasizes McLaren’s commitment to nurturing talent from karting to F1.
Bravi added, “It is critical to develop our talent pipeline for our expanding racing teams as we look ahead to 2026.”
These advancements not only fortify McLaren’s driver prospects but also reinforce their commitment to long-term success in the competitive landscape of motorsport.
