As the first driver announced for the 2025 FIA Formula 2 grid, Leonardo Fornaroli has wasted no time in preparing for his highly anticipated debut. The 2023 F3 Champion has been diligently balancing his university studies with his physical and mental preparation, all while building a strong relationship with his new team, Invicta Racing.

Laying the Groundwork for Success: Fornaroli's Proactive Approach

Immersing Himself in the Team's Culture

Since his signing was announced in September, Fornaroli has already visited the Invicta Racing workshop in the UK for an introductory visit. This early engagement has allowed him to start understanding the team's working dynamics and establish a rapport with the engineers. "I went to the workshop already, began to work a little bit with the team before the last two rounds," Fornaroli explains. "The workshop is nice, it's not super big but all the essential things are there – two cars and the offices where the engineers are working." This hands-on experience has given Fornaroli a head start in familiarizing himself with the team's operations, a crucial step in ensuring a seamless transition when the 2025 season begins.

Prioritizing Physical Preparation

The step up from Formula 3 to Formula 2 brings with it a significant increase in performance, and Fornaroli has been diligently preparing his body to handle the demands of the more powerful car and longer races. "I'm spending a lot of time in the gym to prepare myself as much as possible for next year," he reveals. "Also, because I have some more free time now, I can dedicate more time to university and try to make some progress there, even if it's not easy." By balancing his physical training with his academic commitments, Fornaroli is ensuring he is in peak condition both mentally and physically, setting the stage for a successful debut in the highly competitive Formula 2 championship.

Leveraging Existing Relationships

Fornaroli's preparation extends beyond just his own efforts, as he has also been tapping into the knowledge and experiences of his friend and current Formula 2 driver, Gabriel Bortoleto. "I've spoken with him, and he's said the team is super nice and they welcome you. I could end up working with his engineer and he's said he's a super nice guy. So now I can't wait to start working with them." This valuable insight from a driver already embedded within the Invicta Racing team has provided Fornaroli with a unique perspective on what to expect, further enhancing his readiness for the challenges that lie ahead.

Immersing Himself in the Team's Operations

Fornaroli's dedication to his preparation extends beyond the physical and mental realms, as he is also eager to observe the Invicta Racing team in action during the upcoming races in Lusail and Yas Marina. "I hope to be in Qatar and Abu Dhabi because I want to do at least one or two races with the team on the ground, just to watch for myself and understand how they work and communicate. How they speak on the radio and how the drivers explain their feedback, stuff like that is important to learn." By witnessing the team's operations firsthand, Fornaroli will gain a deeper understanding of the team's dynamics, further strengthening the foundation for a successful partnership in the 2025 season.

Building a Collaborative Relationship

Fornaroli's approach to his Formula 2 debut is marked by a strong emphasis on establishing a collaborative relationship with his new team. Drawing on his past experiences with Trident in Formula 3, where he developed a "father and son" dynamic with his engineer, Fornaroli recognizes the importance of fostering a similar level of trust and open communication. "There was no pressure from one put on the other, we worked in a super nice way, and I think that was the most important thing. That allowed me to deliver the best that I could. You need to have good feedback between each other and to be clear in order to understand the situation and solve every problem." By prioritizing this relationship-building process, Fornaroli is positioning himself for a seamless integration into the Invicta Racing team, setting the stage for a successful debut in the highly competitive world of Formula 2.