Looking for an F1 Team: Where can this top talent land in '26?

15:58, 30 Sep

Updated: 19:27, 30 Sep

byLudo van Denderen

Leonardo Fornaroli, the main contender to become champion in Formula 2, is looking for a seat in Formula 1. But options are scarce, as revealed by GPblog.

Leonardo Fornaroli is getting closer and closer to the title in Formula 2. However, winning the title comes at a price. He would be forced to leave the feeder series to Formula 1, as the rules dictate the champion cannot defend their title, so it is necessary to look elsewhere. The driver's focus - who won the F3 championship last year - is to find a place in Formula 1.

But it's not that simple. Realistically, only Racing Bulls and Alpine are the only destinations available for him. GPblog understands, though, that Red Bull has not shown any interest in the Italian talent.

Leonardo Fornaroli in action - Photo: RacePictures

And in Franco Colapinto, Jack Doohan and Paul Aron, Alpine already has three candidates who are vying for the place alongside Pierre Gasly for 2026. Fornaroli was indeed spotted in Baku in the hospitality of the French team, but according to insiders, not much should be read into this.

This is Fornaroli's plan

GPblog understands that Fornaroli hopes to secure himself a spot in a Formula 1 team, as a development and reserve driver. The goal is to spend 2026 as a learning year, with the ultimate purpose of finding a full-time drive for the 2027 season.

As of last August, Fornaroli is working with a new manager who's currently gauging the interest levels from various F1 teams, with 'the big four' - McLaren, Mercedes, Ferrari and Red Bull Racing - not looking particularly enticed by Fornaroli.

The Italian's name is also not being mentioned at Aston Martin nor Racing Bulls.

Fornaroli regularly wins in F2 - Photo: RacePictures

Spot at Cadillac and Audi?

At Cadillac, Colton Herta is fulfills the role of test driver, but he hasn't got a superlicence - unlike Fornaroli. The American still need a reserve driver. Maybe this unlocks a door.

Haas currently has Ryo Hirakawa, from Toyota's driver development programme, filling up the reserve driver role. The team, owned by American businessman Gene Haas, is expected to intensify its partnerhsiop with the Japanese brand, so it seems unlikely that there is room for Fornaroli.

Audi, however, is looking for a reserve and test driver. A move to the German team would be very logical, after Audi already brought in Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2024 F2 champion who, like Fornaroli, drove for Invicta Racing.

There seems to be no place at Williams, either, who have Luke Browning for all effects and purposes the team's reserve driver.

It means the options are limited for Fornaroli, who could be forced to look elsewhere and at other series to further his racing career.

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