P1racenews AI automatic summary:
FIA crowns NEW champion in Qatar
Leonardo Fornaroli secured the F2 championship with a second-place finish in Qatar, showcasing his dominance throughout the season with four race wins and nine podiums.
Despite his impressive track record, Fornaroli’s future in F1 remains uncertain as he is not affiliated with any F1 team’s junior driver programme.
While his F3 and F2 championship wins mirror previous drivers who have made the jump to F1, the lack of confirmed F2 graduates moving to F1 in 2026 is a hurdle for Fornaroli.
Without the backing of a junior programme, Fornaroli’s prospects of securing a full-time F1 seat for 2026 are complicated, even with potential openings like Mercedes’ reserve driver position becoming available.
Fornaroli’s challenge highlights the competitive landscape of F1 and the importance of team affiliations in securing opportunities for young drivers on the grid.
