The Hungaroring was Leonardo Fornaroli’s second free practice session in Formula 1. The Italian driver finished FP1 in sixteenth position, less than 9 tenths behind Lando Norris. More than the times, however, what counts is the work done in validating the updates brought by McLaren and even more so the accumulated kilometers. Experience will be an important ally for Fornaroli, who is fighting for a full-time seat on the grid next year.
Read more Leclerc’s problem in FP1: it was not necessary to replace the power unit
The importance of racking up kilometers
Fornaroli met the Italian press in the Budapest paddock, commenting on his second official F1 practice session: “I carried out a work program quite similar to that of the others, with two runs on medium tires and some aerodynamic tests with softs. To finish, I did some consecutive laps, which were supposed to be on softs, but after the lock-up I had in Turn 1, I had to change the tire because there was a fairly large flat spot that prevented me from continuing with that set.”
The Formula 1 free practice sessions add to the TPC tests recently carried out with McLaren and Haas, continuing to work to be ready should an opportunity arise for 2027: “These are extra kilometers on the 2026 car. I am happy with the work we are doing, as everything is going cleanly and consistently.” The hope is that driving the 2026 single-seaters can give Leonardo a competitive advantage to use in the search for a full-time seat: “It is very important, also because I don’t think the car will be completely different in the coming years. These are useful kilometers”.
Read more Volkswagen will halve the number of models on the market
Between present and future
Fornaroli, in any case, refuses to look too far ahead: “I’m someone who doesn’t think much about the future, but only about doing the present as best as possible. I hoped to be fighting for a seat next year and I’m happy with where I am now”. The Italian doesn’t seem bothered by the growing media buzz around him: “Formula 1 is the pinnacle of motorsport. It’s obvious that many rumors circulate, especially when a driver is trying to get on the grid. It’s a very normal thing, I take it quite lightly. I’m someone who tries not to look too much at social media or newspapers, I feel they distract a bit of attention,” concludes Fornaroli.
Read more F1 GP Hungary 2026, FP2: restarting with race and qualifying simulations, starts at 17:00 – LIVE
