Photo: McLaren
McLaren will hand a Formula 1 free practice debut to 2025 Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli in Barcelona, with Luke Browning to also appear for Williams.
Fornaroli signed for as the McLaren reserve driver shortly after securing the F2 title. It marked the first time the Italian had been affiliated with a Formula 1 team.
In 2026 the 21-year-old has been absent from racing so far while serving duties for McLaren, debuting behind the wheel of an F1 car in a TPC (testing of previous cars) outing at Silverstone in early April.
He will now make his first appearance behind the wheel of the current MCL40, replacing reigning F1 champion Lando Norris for first practice in Spain.
“I’m very excited to drive the MCL40 this weekend in the Barcelona-Catalunya FP1 session,” Fornaroli said.
“It’s going to be a great opportunity to help the team with their preparations and to work through the planned Friday programme. This is going to be a very important mission for me because it’s going to be my first official Formula 1 session. It’s something I’ve worked through for a long time, so very excited for it.
“All the experience I’ve gained through the previous TPC days so far were very important for my development, so a big thank you to Zak [Brown], Andrea [Stella], and Alessandro [Alunni Bravi], and to all the McLaren team. Can’t wait for this weekend!”
Elsewhere, Williams announced their junior driver Browning will replace Alex Albon in FP1 at Barcelona before rotating into the car of Carlos Sainz at the Austrian Grand Prix.
Barcelona will be the fifth time Browning has appeared on an F1 weekend as his ties with Williams continue to strengthen alongside his campaign in Japanese Super Formula.
The Briton currently sits eighth in the Super Formula standings after three rounds, 51 points adrift of championship leader Kakunoshin Ota.
Speaking ahead of his first taste of 2026 machinery, Browning said: “I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the FW48 for the first time, and to have two opportunities to experience the car first-hand in the European season makes it even more special.
“I’ve been working hard to prepare so that I can make the most of these sessions and help the team plan and prepare for the race weekends ahead. I’m incredibly thankful to everyone at Williams for their continued trust and support and I can’t wait to get out on track.”