Piastri to miss Brazilian GP FP1 as Fornaroli steps in for McLaren

Oscar Piastri will not take part in first practice at the São Paulo Grand Prix at Interlagos, with McLaren reserve driver Leo Fornaroli replacing him to complete the team's mandatory rookie sessions this season.

Fornaroli, the reigning Formula 2 champion, joined McLaren as a development driver last year before being promoted to reserve driver a month later. He has been the sole driver covering the team's young driver outings, having previously driven Lando Norris's MCL40 in Mexico, where he was 17th fastest.

McLaren head to Brazil looking to regain third place in the Constructors' Championship, currently 17 points behind Red Bull. Chief technical officer of aerodynamics Peter Prodromou said the team will bring updates across the front wing, rear wing and some floor components.