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McLaren Confirm Fornaroli for 2027 as Red Bull Go Texan
123Helmets Editorial Team
McLaren have confirmed Leonardo Fornaroli for 2027 in their WEC Hypercar programme, while Red Bull have revealed a Ford Raptor-inspired makeover for the United States Grand Prix in Austin. Both stories headline the latest F1 news round-up.
Key Takeaways
McLaren have confirmed Leonardo Fornaroli will join their WEC Hypercar programme in 2027, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion, will keep his reserve driver role for McLaren’s F1 team.
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar will wear Ford Raptor-inspired suits made with Castore in Austin.
Verstappen’s modified helmet pairs his lion motif with a cowboy hat graphic, and Red Bull Austin Race Nights run from 22 to 25 October.
McLaren confirm Fornaroli for 2027 WEC Hypercar programme
McLaren have confirmed that Leonardo Fornaroli will return to full-time competitive racing in 2027 with their Hypercar programme in the World Endurance Championship.
The Italian will represent McLaren in the championship, including the 24 Hours of Le Mans. He is the reigning Formula 2 champion.
What Fornaroli’s role looks like alongside F1 duties
Fornaroli will continue as reserve driver for McLaren’s Formula 1 operation while racing in WEC.
The dual role means he stays attached to the F1 team even as his main race programme moves to endurance racing. The source text breaks off before giving further detail on his 2026 activities or his WEC team-mates, so those points are not covered here.
Fornaroli’s route to McLaren
Fornaroli joined McLaren after winning the 2025 Formula 2 title.
He had previously won the Formula 3 championship in 2024, giving him back-to-back titles in the two feeder series before the move.
Red Bull’s Ford Raptor-inspired Austin makeover
Red Bull have unveiled a special look for the United States Grand Prix, with Max Verstappen and Isack Hadjar wearing Ford Raptor-inspired racing suits in Austin.
The designs were developed with team kit supplier Castore and draw on American motorsport culture and Ford’s high-performance off-road vehicles. Red Bull personnel will wear matching clothing, and the team’s garage will receive a special Ford Raptor makeover.
Verstappen’s cowboy-themed helmet
Max Verstappen will race in Austin with a modified helmet design that combines his traditional lion motif with elements of the American West.
The source specifically mentions a cowboy hat graphic. No further visual detail was given, so the rest of the design is not described. Fans of the Dutchman can browse the Max Verstappen collection.
Red Bull’s race-week fan activities
Red Bull have announced a launch event on 21 October and Red Bull Austin Race Nights from 22 to 25 October.
The celebrations will feature driver appearances, racing simulators and interactive experiences, giving fans a chance to engage with the team away from the circuit.
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This article was written with the help of AI tools. Editorial policy
