Leonardo Fornaroli spoke with Last Word On Sports about his first steps in motorsport, last year’s F3 title battle and his fresh challenge in F2.
Invicta Racing’s Driver Leonardo Fornaroli on Emotional F3 Battle and F2 Journey
2024 Formula 3 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli is currently ranked third in the F2 Drivers’ Standings. The Italian driver, who may not have attracted much attention before his second season in Formula 3, is now one of the key competitors to watch in Formula 2.
After a strong start to the year, the Invicta Racing driver sat down for an exclusive interview with LWOS during the break before the Imola round.
On this occasion, Leonardo Fornaroli driver spoke about the beginning of his career in motorsport, his current experience in F2. He also opened up about the multitude of emotions during the 2024 F3 season, in which he was crowned champion.
How are you feeling during this break before the Imola round?
Good thank you. I just started training again after a short break during Easter. I struggled a bit to start over. Driving is still an intense training but (not doing) all the exercises I did in the gym, especially the specific ones, I lost a bit of performance, so I’m gradually getting it back.
What sparked your passion for motorsport?
My passion for Motorsport began following the races in which my dad participated. He was a driver and competed in GT3, the Italian GT championship, and the Porsche Carrera Cup Italia. Since I was born, he had been racing so I grew up watching him and the passion grew on me too.
Not straight away, because the first time I raced in go-karts I was 10 years old, so not really soon. However, the first time I drove one I understood right away It was my true passion. Before that, I tried other sports but nothing excited me as much as karting.
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Were there any Formula 1 drivers that you look up to for inspiration while growing up?
Yes, I had role models in Formula 1 growing up. I really liked Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel. They were the ones I looked up to.
In your second season in Formula 3, you won the title on the last race. How did you feel that Sunday morning in Monza?
I remember the day before (the race) I went to sleep early and was pretty calm but the moment I woke up I was very agitated. I felt my heart beat fast and I was nervous. It was the first time I found myself in such an important position in my career.
Also, the points distance was very short between me, Gabriele Minì, and Luke Browning. Therefore, I had to end the race in front of them. In Monza, the races are always chaotic so you have to fight almost every time since it’s difficult to build a gap.
And during the race, especially during that last overtake on Mansell, how were you feeling?
“I felt a lot of emotions during the race. In the beginning, it was security because I started well, Gabriele had slipped back a little bit and Browning was out of the race. I said: “It’s all working out well for me.”
Then there was the mistake at the Ascari and I lost a lot of positions, even on the Gabriele. I said: ‘Oh God no, now what do I do?” Then, seeing that the pace was there I slowly recovered, so I felt safer.
In the last two laps, I struggled with the tires and I lost again two positions, I asked my engineer: “Am I first (in the championship)?” and he told me: “You’re behind for one point so you must pass.” I couldn’t believe I was about to lose, I needed to do something. I tried everything in the last lap but I didn’t make it.
However, going to Parabolica they told me that they spoke to me on the radio saying: “Leo you need to give everything now.” I don’t remember because I was so focused on Christian Mansell in front that the rest was not there.
It was the last turn and he didn’t close the door, I was second and I had nothing to lose so I launched. Even if it would have gone wrong at least I’d tried.”
Then the promotion to Formula 2 arrived, and now you are always fighting at the front. It seems it’s going well with the new car, isn’t it?
Yes, absolutely. Already from the post-season test in Abu Dhabi, I immediately found myself quite well in the car. Especially in qualifying, where there is not much change compared to the F3.
The bigger changes are on the race. Bigger tyres, greater power, greater braking power, and heavier cars, all together make it difficult to focus on tyre management. I had to change a lot of things. There is still something to improve, but it has been going quite well.
You and Invicta Racing appear to have developed a strong working relationship. How was it adapting to a new team, considering you have raced with an Italian team for many years?
At first, it was a bit hard to change team after all these years but from the first day I tried the seat, it was great. So I am very happy to be with them this year in F2.
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Talking in general about the world of feeder series, do you notice that it is gaining more and more popularity every year? Is it strange to have fans, even people older than you, to ask for a picture or an autograph?
Yes, at the beginning it was a little bit strange because it had never happened to me before. However, especially at the end of last year’s season when I fought for the title in Formula 3, I began to acquire polarity.
Then the move to Formula 2 also changed many things. Even here in Piacenza (Fornaroli’s hometown), where I am now, sometimes some people recognize me on the street.
The first time it was strange but then you get used to it. And it’s also something I like because seeing so many people supporting me is also a great pleasure.
Analysing yourself, what do you feel are your strengths as a driver and what do you think you need to work more on?
I’m very happy until now with my performance in qualifying. Since the first lap, apart from Jeddah, I immediately found myself comfortable. I had a great feeling and I was always in the top three or five positions.
I’m really happy about that because I had it also in F3. However, it was my second year. I knew the car better, and I already knew all the tracks so it was easier. Therefore, finding myself comfortable immediately also in F2 is something I’m very happy about.
In the race, there is still something to improve in the tyre management, where I lost a bit of time both in Bahrain and Jeddah, but we are on the right path.
Your goal must be to reach Formula 1. But are there other championships where you’d like to race in?
The goal is still Formula 1 so it’s hard to think now about something else, also because it’s still early for that. However, another championship I really like is WEC.”
The Italian driver will be back on track in Imola from May 16 to 18 for the fourth round of the F2 season.
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Main Photo
Credit: IMAGO / PsnewZ
Recording Date: 15.03.2025
