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McLaren’s Andrea Stella has praised Leonardo Fornaroli’s work as a reserve driver, as an Autosport feature examines what the role can offer drivers seeking an F1 seat.
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Stella told Autosport that Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion, actively seeks out McLaren’s engineers, records what he learns and shares ideas. He also praised the Italian’s pace and consistency in simulator work, previous-car tests and practice sessions. These are Stella’s assessments of a driver who has yet to secure an F1 race seat. [1]
In his feature published on 3 October, Autosport writer Jake Boxall-Legge describes two broad groups of reserve drivers: experienced racers seeking a return and younger prospects trying to break into F1. He argues that work behind the scenes gives both groups a chance to demonstrate their value rather than simply wait for an opening. [1]
Yuki Tsunoda is one example in the feature. Autosport reports that he stayed with Red Bull as a reserve after losing his race seat at the end of 2025, then returned to the grid with Racing Bulls when Liam Lawson moved to Red Bull to replace the injured Isack Hadjar. Tsunoda said his reserve duties included previous-car tests, simulator sessions and team meetings. [1]
Boxall-Legge cautions that a reserve role does not guarantee a race seat, citing Théo Pourchaire and Felipe Drugovich. His argument is that it can still give drivers a way to make their case when an opportunity arises. [1]
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