McLaren and Williams have introduced their respective reserve drivers for the upcoming 2026 F1 season.
On Thursday, McLaren introduced that reigning F2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli and IndyCar front-runner Pato O’Ward will function the reigning world champion’s reserve drivers in 2026.
Fornaroli, who signed with McLaren in December after successful the F2 title, will “work on an intensive testing and simulation program to assist his improvement”.
“I am excited to step right into a broader function with the McLaren Mastercard Formulation 1 Workforce as a reserve driver as a part of the McLaren Driver Growth Programme,” stated Fornaroli.
“That is an thrilling subsequent step in my journey and I sit up for contributing to the staff that has had such success and championships this season. I want to thank Zac (Brown), Andrea (Stella) and Alessandro (Arunni Bravi) for this chance.”
In the meantime, O’Ward will proceed within the function he has performed the previous two seasons.
“I am excited to proceed my function as reserve driver for the McLaren Mastercard Formulation 1 Workforce, alongside my foremost duties within the NTT IndyCar Sequence with Arrow McLaren,” stated the Mexican.
“I’ve discovered an unimaginable quantity over the previous couple of years testing and driving F1 automobiles and I’m trying ahead to this continued progress and improvement.”
Williams promotes Luke Browning
Browning took half in three FP1s with Williams in 2025
Williams introduced on Friday that Luke Browning has been promoted to order driver for this season.
Formally, Williams had no designated reserve driver till now, however might request the companies of a Mercedes reserve driver if obligatory as a part of the engine deal. That was the case final yr with Valtteri Bottas, who has since joined Cadillac.
Browning, who completed third in F3 in 2024 and fourth in F2 in 2025, participated in three F1 apply periods with Williams final season.
The 24-year-old Briton can be absolutely dedicated to his new endeavor alongside his rookie season in Japan’s Tremendous Formulation.
“I am very excited to be stepping up as reserve driver for the Atlassian Williams F1 Workforce this yr,” stated Browning.
“The Academy has been instrumental in my improvement, supporting me in each F3 and F2 whereas giving me the chance to familiarize myself with the most recent F1 automobiles by testing and FP1 periods.
“I am trying ahead to working with Alex (Albon) and Carlos (Sainz) and taking the staff ahead in a brand new period of F1.”
