Photo: Invicta Racing
Newly crowned FIA Formula 3 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has already secured his step up to Formula 2 for 2025, signing with Invicta Racing.
The Italian teased an announcement on his racing plans for next year soon after clinching the FIA F3 title at Monza last Sunday. He emulates 2023 F3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto in taking the title with Trident then joining Invicta in F2 the year after.
The team has also confirmed that Fornaroli will be present in the post-season test at Yas Marina Circuit on December 11-13.
Fornaroli’s junior single-seater career so far has attracted attention due to his consistency rather than race-winning form. His only victory from 116 races and five years in cars was an Italian Formula 4 race in 2021, and he topped the rookie classification in the 2022 Formula Regional European Championship standings despite never being the top rookie in a race.
Two second places were the best results of his 2024 FIA F3 campaign, but by finishing finishing 18 out of the 20 races in the points he became champion by a sizeable 23 points. He took seven podiums in total, and two pole positions.
“I’m so happy to be able to celebrate winning the F3 championship with this news and I cannot wait to step up to F2 next season,” said Fornaroli.
“Invicta Racing has proven itself over many years to be one of the best teams in F2, including this season. I’m really excited to work with the team for the 2025 season. I want to take this opportunity to thank Trident for the past three years, they really are the best team in F3. To go from the best team in F3 to the best in F2 is a truly a dream come true.”
Invicta’s team principal Andy Roche added: “We’re absolutely delighted to welcome Leonardo to the team for 2025. Winning the F3 Championship is an incredible achievement for him, and I have no doubt that he’ll do a brilliant job in 2025. We’ve followed Leonardo’s single-seater career for a few years now and it’s clear that he’s an outstanding talent.
“Following in the footsteps of Gabriel this year, we’re thrilled to have the reigning F3 Champion join our team for the second year in succession.”