F2 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli Completes McLaren TPC Test As Piastri Links To Red Bull Grow

McLaren reserve driver Leonardo Fornaroli has completed a two-day Testing of Previous Cars session at the Circuit of the Americas in Austin.
The 2025 Formula 2 champion drove the 2023 McLaren MCL60 around the Texas circuit as part of his progression within the team’s Driver Development Programme.
It marked Fornaroli’s third TPC test, during which he completed 77 laps covering a total distance of 425 kilometres across Wednesday and Thursday.
His run plan included a mix of long and short runs, grid start procedures, and formation lap practice at the iconic American venue.
Fornaroli said after the test: “It’s always amazing to drive an F1 car. I’m grateful to McLaren for giving me another opportunity to get behind the wheel of the MCL60.”
He added: “I’m getting more comfortable with the car and also the team. The run plan was a step up from my last test in Silverstone.”
Fornaroli continued: “We got to do some practice starts, which continued to give me a better understanding of what it takes to drive an F1 car in a session.”
He described driving COTA for the first time as an enjoyable experience, stating he is already looking forward to his next opportunity in an F1 car.
Fornaroli confirmed his next assignment would be supporting the F1 team in the simulator ahead of the Monaco Grand Prix.
The test comes amid swirling speculation linking McLaren race driver Oscar Piastri to Red Bull, with rumours suggesting Max Verstappen could leave the team or the sport entirely.
Red Bull are said to be taking the possibility of a Verstappen exit seriously, with Piastri identified as a potential replacement should that scenario unfold.
Piastri addressed the speculation in comments to Sky Sports, saying: “There’s obviously not been any discussions or anything but it’s flattering, yes. There’s not really much more than that, really.”
The Australian driver played down the links further, adding: “Hopefully it proves my stock as a driver, which is a nice thing, but I’m very happy with where I am.”
Piastri was clear about his commitment to McLaren, stating: “I’ve got a lot of confidence in this team that we’re going to be able to win races and hopefully championships in the future, so I’m very happy where I am.”
He signed off his response with a simple question: “I’ve got a good relationship with McLaren, so why change?”
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