WEC 2027: McLaren signs Fornaroli for Hypercar and F1 role
The newsroomUpdated on October 19, 20263 minMcLaren keeps Leonardo Fornaroli as F1 reserve driver in 2027 and gives him a WEC programme in its new Hypercar, with the Le Mans 24 Hours as the target.
Key point
McLaren retains Leonardo Fornaroli as F1 reserve driver in 2027 and gives him a WEC programme in its new Hypercar, with the 24 Hours of Le Mans as his goal.
Leonardo Fornaroli will wear two hats at McLaren in 2027. The team confirmed on 19 October 2026 that he stays on as reserve and third driver in Formula 1, and that he also joins McLaren's Hypercar programme in the WEC, for which 2027 will be the first season. The young Italian, F3 champion in 2024 and F2 champion in 2025, thus discovers endurance racing.
A dual F1 and WEC programme
In F1, Fornaroli will keep backing up Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. His 2026 programme combined tests in older cars (TPC), extensive simulator work and first free practice (FP1) sessions in Barcelona and Budapest. More FP1 outings are planned this year, and that side continues in 2027 alongside the WEC.
In endurance, he joins McLaren's new Hypercar. According to Autosport, he completed just one lap in the car the day before the announcement, and his first proper test with the team was due to begin on the day of publication.
The Le Mans 24 Hours as a goal
The 2027 calendar includes the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Fornaroli expects to race there, which he describes as a long-held dream. Our sources do not give his crew line-up: Autosport describes the field as very competitive without naming his team-mates.
Why the announcement matters
- McLaren enters a Hypercar in the WEC for the first time in 2027 and relies on a driver already embedded in its F1 structure.
- Fornaroli keeps a foot in the F1 paddock after losing the Haas seat to Rafael Camara.
- He combines two very different disciplines: single-seaters and endurance prototypes.
What next?
One question remains open: Motorsport.com notes that a future F1 race start is still uncertain. For now, the WEC programme gives Fornaroli a real season on track, whereas F1 reserve duty is limited to a few test sessions. The first full test of the McLaren Hypercar, which began on the day of the announcement, will show whether the Italian adapts quickly to this new world.
Frequently asked questions
What is Leonardo Fornaroli's role at McLaren in 2027?
He stays on as reserve and third driver in Formula 1, behind Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and joins McLaren's Hypercar programme in the WEC.
Will Fornaroli race at the Le Mans 24 Hours?
He expects to take part in 2027, which he describes as a long-held dream. The crew of his car is not detailed in our sources.
Will Fornaroli get a full-time F1 race seat?
That has not been announced. He lost the Haas seat to Rafael Camara and his future as an F1 racer remains open.
Sources
- Motorsport.com — Fornaroli stays at McLaren in F1 and joins the WEC in 2027
- Autosport — McLaren retains Fornaroli as F1 reserve and hands him a WEC programme
Written by the Karrazmotorsport newsroom, proofread before publication. For settings, always refer to your vehicle's manual. Our charter.
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