Leonardo Fornaroli is a driver on the up through the motorsport ranks after winning the Formula 3 title in 2024.
The Italian displayed great consistency across the year by scoring points in all but two races. Despite not winning a race, Fornaroli secured seven podiums, the most out of any other driver.
The 19-year-old won the Formula 3 title in dramatic fashion at the final race of the season at Monza. Heading into Parabolica in the final lap of the Feature Race, Fornaroli dived down the inside of Christian Mansell to take third place and snatch the title away from Gabriele Mini.
Fornaroli would not have had to have made that overtake on Mansell anyway, as Mini would be disqualified from the race for low tyre pressures. Fornaroli was awarded second place and ultimately won the championship by 23 points.
Now, the Italian is set for his next challenge in Formula 2, and speaking with the Formula 1 website, he revealed what a fellow champion said to him before moving up to F2.
Leonardo Fornaroli told Invicta Racing is an ‘amazing’ team by Gabriel Bortoleto
Fornaroli says he has achieved his dream by reaching F2, as the 19-year-old will join Invicta Racing for 2025.
By signing with the team, Fornaroli is following in the footsteps of the 2023 Formula 3 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, who currently racing with Invicta in 2024.
The Brazilian is sat second in the standings with three rounds to go, 10.5 points behind championship leader Isack Hadjar. Bortoleto has won two races and grabbed five podiums across the season as he looks to challenge the Frenchman for the title.
And ahead of his move to Invicta next season, Fornaroli revealed the discussions he has had with Bortoleto about the team and its environment.
“Throughout the year, we knew that there was a possibility to sign with them, and he was saying, ‘If you will sign with them, I would be so happy for you, because the team is amazing,” the Italian said.
“The car is amazing. Everything, everyone here is super nice, and they will make you feel like you’re at home.”
Can Leonardo Fornaroli compete in Formula 2 in 2025?
With Bortoleto’s success with Invicta in 2024, the attention will be on Fornaroli to see if he can replicate it in 2025.
Fornaroli has proven his move to the team is justified with his performances in F3, as he displayed brilliant consistency and some outstanding driving, particularly in the final race of the season with his last gasp overtake the win the title.
With Invicta currently leading the teams’ championship, it is clear that Fornaroli will have a competitive squad around him and the tools to compete again in 2025.
It is likely that Kush Maini will be the Italian’s teammate next year – if Invicta choose to keep him on – as Bortoleto is being heavily linked with a move to Sauber in F1 in 2025.