Overview
- Reigning Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli is designated as McLaren’s primary reserve for most of 2026 with an intensive testing and simulator program to support the new power‑unit regulations.
- Pato O’Ward continues as reserve driver subject to his NTT IndyCar Series commitments with Arrow McLaren.
- McLaren confirmed a 2026 development lineup of nine drivers: Christian Costoya, Matteo De Palo, Leonardo Fornaroli, Ella Häkkinen, Ella Lloyd, Pato O’Ward, Ella Stevens, Dries Van Langendonck and Richard Verschoor.
- Richard Verschoor will combine a McLaren testing program with an ELMS LMP2 campaign at Duqueine to help prepare for McLaren’s planned 2027 hypercar entry in the World Endurance Championship.
- Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri remain the race lineup for 2026, with Norris set to defend his drivers’ title.