Despite impressive performances, Leonardo Fornaroli remains largely overlooked in the speculation around Formula 1 2026 driver line-ups. The 20-year-old Italian driver, recognized for his steadiness and skill, is quickly emerging as one of motorsport’s most consistent talents. This steady form has allowed him to lead the Formula 2 2025 championship and follow a remarkable 2024 Formula 3 campaign where he secured the title without a single race win by consistently finishing near the front.

Fornaroli’s 2024 F3 championship was defined by exceptional consistency—he earned points in almost every race, achieving seven podiums while only twice finishing outside the points. This level of reliability set him apart from the competition and netted him the overall championship. Building on that momentum in 2025’s F2 series, Fornaroli has claimed three race victories and maintains a solid lead in the championship standings, 17 points ahead of Aston Martin-backed contender Jak Crawford.

Why Fornaroli’s Absence from F1 Team Discussions Raises Eyebrows

Given Fornaroli’s rising trajectory, it is a surprise that he has not yet secured an F1 seat or academy affiliation for the 2026 season. His team boss at Invicta Racing, James Robinson, expressed astonishment at this gap, highlighting Fornaroli as an underappreciated gem in the current driver market. Robinson noted that while many of Fornaroli’s F2 rivals are affiliated with F1 academies, Fornaroli stands out as an exceptional talent without such backing.

Robinson described Fornaroli as a “Moneyball-type pick,” pointing to the driver’s methodical approach, avoidance of flashy moves or media theatrics, and remarkable ability to help develop a car’s performance. He emphasized Fornaroli’s consistency as a crucial asset for any F1 team seeking a reliable driver who can provide precise feedback and stable data to engineers.

I’m astounded at this stage, being candid, and that I cannot understand why Leo is not with an F1 team right now,

Robinson told Motorsport.com.

He wouldn’t say this, because again, he’s only focused on his next race, so I see it very much as part of my role to say what a lot of people in our team are thinking.

—James Robinson, Invicta team boss

And it’s absolutely mind-blowing that he hasn’t been announced for an F1 role for next year already, given that most of the other drivers in the top seven or eight positions in the championship are part of F1 team academies.

—James Robinson, Invicta team boss

I think Leo is a bit of a Moneyball-type pick. He doesn’t do the big banzai moves that some drivers do. He doesn’t do silly dances on the podium. He’s not very outspoken in the media. But having worked in Formula 1 for 20 years, knowing what F1 teams look for in drivers, Leo is an exceptional guy in terms of developing a car.

—James Robinson, Invicta team boss

I think if you did take a sort of more Moneyball-style approach, Leo would be the most obvious pick for anybody.

—James Robinson, Invicta team boss

If you’re looking to develop a car, you need a driver that can deliver consistency, lap after lap after lap, they can give you that stable data point. Leo does that better than anybody in F2 right now.

—James Robinson, Invicta team boss

I think he would be the deal of the century for an F1 team at this stage.

—James Robinson, Invicta team boss

Comparisons to Gabriel Bortoleto and Potential Future in F1

Fornaroli’s current position mirrors the path taken by Gabriel Bortoleto, who also won back-to-back junior series titles with Invicta before earning a Formula 1 seat with Sauber. However, unlike Bortoleto—who quickly became part of the Sauber academy—Fornaroli has not yet been linked to any F1 team’s development program. Robinson insists that Fornaroli’s progress has been just as strong, if not stronger, emphasizing his “unflappable” execution on the track without notable mistakes.

As the 2025 Formula 2 season nears its conclusion, Fornaroli is pursuing a championship victory that would solidify his reputation and increase pressure on F1 teams to recognize his abilities. His upcoming races include the Monza round, set for early September, where his performance could further demonstrate his readiness for the pinnacle of motorsport.

Upcoming Developments in the 2026 F1 Grid and Regulation Changes

The 2026 Formula 1 season promises significant changes, including new power unit regulations and fresh team line-ups, with confirmed teams and engine suppliers preparing for the overhaul. This reshuffle could create openings for promising new drivers, making Fornaroli’s exclusion from mainstream talks all the more surprising.

The approaching F2 rounds and Fornaroli’s continued dominance may compel F1 teams such as Alpine or the newcomer Cadillac squad to reconsider his value. Given the intensity of competition for F1 seats and the importance of driver consistency under the new technical regulations, Fornaroli’s talents align well with what teams are expected to seek in 2026.

Failing to secure an F1 role despite his record could mark one of the most notable oversights in recent motorsport history, according to Robinson’s assessment. Fornaroli’s case highlights the tension between traditional driver scouting approaches and a more data-driven or pragmatic evaluation of talent.