JUNE 29, 2026

Fornaroli emerging as favourite for Ocon's 2027 seat

Formula 2 champion Leonardo Fornaroli has emerged as perhaps the leading candidate for a Haas race seat in 2027 as speculation about Esteban Ocon's future continues to grow.

The Italian joins an increasingly crowded list of names linked with Haas, including Toyota-backed Jack Doohan, Ferrari junior Rafael Camara and Red Bull reserve Yuki Tsunoda, whose Japanese ties would also fit the team's Toyota partnership.

Now, Denmark's Ekstra Bladet reports that reigning Formula 2 champion Fornaroli, 21, is firmly in contention.

Earlier this month, Haas tested the McLaren junior in a two-year-old Formula 1 car at Jerez.

I don't know where we're going with it, but the purpose of our TPC program is to provide opportunities for young drivers, team boss Ayao Komatsu said in Austria.

The test attracted attention because Fornaroli is part of McLaren's driver program, while Haas' TPC outings are generally run by Toyota with a focus on Japanese talent.

Leo is the reigning F2 champion, he is a strong driver and has a really good training program with McLaren, so we are happy with the chance to take a closer look at him, Komatsu explained.

Fornaroli won the Formula 2 title as a rookie after previously becoming Formula 3 champion, a record that has put him firmly on the Formula 1 radar.

However, Komatsu was careful not to fuel speculation about his current lineup.

I don't know if we need a new one (driver), because my focus is with our two drivers.

(GMM)