Leonardo Fornaroli is stepping up to Formula 2 for the 2025 season after winning the championship in FIA F3.
The Italian put together a superb title-challenging campaign and didn’t take a race victory over the year for Trident.
Fornaroli was incredibly consistent and only finished outside the top 10 on two occasions over the season. He didn’t retire once, and he took six podiums.
He will step up to Formula 2 for next season with Invicta Racing. They are leading the Drivers’ Championship with Gabriel Bortoleto, whose closest rival is Isack Hadjar.
FIA F3 will introduce a new car to the championship next season with sustainable fuel and new 16-inch tyres from Pirelli.
Fornaroli tested the new car before he steps up to F2 and told the official Formula 3 website why it wasn’t what he expected.
The FIA F3 car wasn’t as Leonardo Fornaroli expected as it was similar to the old car
The new car in Formula 3 was designed to allow for more overtakes during the race in an already chaotic championship.
With improved ergonomics, it should also be slightly easier to drive, although the car will still be very physical over a race distance.
Reliability is also critical in F3, as it is a single-spec championship that doesn’t allow teams to develop their cars.
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Fornaroli explained he was pleased with the car’s traction, and the tyres are now more responsive when changing direction.
He said: “It was amazing to try the new generation of F3 car. It felt very good. There wasn’t too much change, or I was expecting it to be more different but actually, they’re quite similar in terms of the chassis.
“The main thing I felt about the new tyres was the initial turn-in phase and the change of direction. I don’t know if it’s more related to the car or the tyres, but there is quite a lot of traction.
“The tyre wall is a lower profile and more similar to a road car, so it’s more reactive to the changes in direction, which is better. Traction is super good. I tested several compounds, and it was good.”
Leonardo Fornaroli may have a tough task in Formula 2 next season
Fornaroli is stepping up to Formula 2 for next season, which is a very difficult championship for rookies to adjust to.
The Italian driver will be competing against his FIA F3 title rival, Arvid Lindblad, who has quickly ascended through the junior ranks.
Next season, the FIA F3 champion will need to adjust to new circuits, such as Azerbaijan and the Lusail International Circuit in Qatar.
Fornaroli’s programme may be two years long, as it could be important not to rush his development. The margins are also fine at the front of the field, as drivers are very close to F1.