Andrea Stella praised Leonardo Fornaroli for the way the driver has been managing his season as McLaren’s reserve in Formula 1, highlighting that the current Formula 2 champion has shown “great maturity” while waiting for an opportunity to join the grid.
Read more F1: Herbert issues warning about Newey phase at Aston Martin
The young 21-year-old driver joined the British team’s driver development program after winning the F2 title and took on the role of reserve driver this season. Since then, he has participated in FP1 sessions, tests with cars from previous seasons, and simulator activities.
Stella especially highlighted the attitude adopted by the driver during the process. “Leo is showing great maturity in his approach to F1. So far, he has always been very meticulous and attentive in preparing for each test, never overdoing it, but working step by step with great dedication,” he said.
“Our engineers are very pleased with the way he is progressing in each test and with his performance in the two FP1 sessions he participated in, first in Barcelona and then in Budapest,” he added.
Read more F1: Ralf Schumacher points out Verstappen’s dilemma at Red Bull
McLaren has not yet decided whether Fornaroli will have his opportunity with the team itself or if his future in F1 might take another path. For Stella, however, the driver’s development is following the expected plan and the team’s program should continue offering new possibilities for his evolution.
“I believe his journey in our driver development program is happening exactly as it should, and we hope that soon this will offer him new growth opportunities,” Stella concluded.
Read more F1: Cadillac rebuts rumors and guarantees Perez’s stay
