Leonardo Fornaroli has quickly become a name synonymous with greatness in the motorsports world. After an impressive campaign, in a fiercly close battle for the F3 Championship, it was Fornaroli who walked away with the crown and a championship built on consistency, perseverance and a tireless pursuit of improvement. But Fornaroli’s impact goes beyond his achievements on the track. As a rising star in motorsport, his perspective sheds light on the barriers women face in racing, the importance of representation, and the collective effort needed to create a more inclusive sport.
From Passion to Champion
For Leonardo Fornaroli, racing is more than a career—it’s a passion forged through family and determination. Inspired by his father, a former GT racer, Fornaroli discovered motorsport at a young age. "I tried many sports as a kid but none inspired me." One day, his father introduced him to go-karting, and everything changed. "From that moment I knew racing would be my passion."
This early love for motorsport fueled years of relentless effort, culminating in his 2024 Formula 3 championship. "This title means a lot to me. Finally, I was able to show my true potential and by being very consistent I managed to bring home the title."
For Fornaroli, personal growth has always been the driving force behind his success. "Throughout my career, my biggest inspiration has been a better version of myself. Even now I work hard every day to achieve the perfect version."
Women in Motorsport: Challenges and Progress
As someone who has climbed the ranks of motorsport, Fornaroli understands the physical and mental demands of competing at the highest levels. When discussing the challenges women face in Formula 3 and Formula 2, he points to the intense physicality of the cars. "F3 and F2 cars are very hard to drive. Women have a bit less physical power than us so they struggle more."
Biological differences between men and women, particularly in physical strength and endurance, undeniably influence performance in motorsport. The physical demands of driving high-performance cars, such as the significant upper body strength required to manage G-forces and steering, often present additional challenges for women. Compounding this is the lack of visible role models in higher racing categories, as no woman has yet advanced beyond Formula 3 in recent years. This absence can perpetuate the belief that breaking into elite levels of motorsport is unattainable, creating a cycle of discouragement for aspiring female racers.
Addressing both the physical demands and the systemic lack of representation requires comprehensive initiatives—ones that not only provide female drivers with the tools and support to compete at the highest level but also showcase their successes to inspire the next generation.
However, progress is being made. Recent updates to reduce steering force in Formula 3 and Formula 2 cars could make a significant difference. "This is a big step and I hope it encourages more women to join us," Fornaroli says.
Sophia Flörsch, who returned to Formula 3 in 2023, exemplifies how women can thrive in single-seaters. "I’ve raced against Sophia for two years and she’s incredibly strong both on and off the track," Fornaroli notes. "She’s the first woman to score points in Formula 3 and her presence shows that women can compete and succeed at this level."
Creating Pathways Through the F1 Academy
For Fornaroli, initiatives like the F1 Academy are vital for bridging the gap in motorsport. "It’s still a new series but the support and opportunities they’re providing could make a big difference," he says. He sees the series’ partnership with Netflix as a promising step to increase visibility and inspire the next generation of female racers.
Reflecting on his own journey, Fornaroli emphasizes the importance of hard work. "When I started testing in F3 in 2022, I wasn’t physically ready. From that point I completely changed my training schedule—both physically and mentally," he shares. "If anyone, including women, puts in the same effort, the path is there. It’s accessible."
Representation and Changing Perceptions
Beyond creating pathways, representation plays a crucial role in transforming motorsport. Fornaroli recalls the impact of seeing Sophia Flörsch excel in Formula 3 and witnessing her influence on perceptions within the paddock. "Her success inspires others to follow in her footsteps," he says.
He’s also noticed a growing number of female fans engaging with the sport. "At the track and in the fan zones, there’s so much support from girls who are passionate about racing" he observes. "It’s great to see and I hope it continues to grow."
Looking Ahead: Inclusion in Motorsport
While Fornaroli envisions a more inclusive future for motorsport, he emphasizes that structural changes depend on organizations like the FIA and Liberty Media. "Drivers aren’t equipped to create these systems ourselves but I’m happy to support and promote inclusion wherever I can," he says.
Fornaroli points to the success of initiatives like the F1 Academy as evidence of meaningful progress. "With professional managers leading the way, we’re seeing real results. The sport is moving in the right direction."
Advice for Future Racers
Having navigated the intense journey to the top of Formula 3, Fornaroli offers simple but powerful advice to young racers. "Always give your best in everything you do. Strive to be the best version of yourself and you’ll be able to achieve your dreams."
Shaping the Future of Motorsport
Leonardo Fornaroli’s reflections offer more than just a glimpse into the mindset of a champion—they highlight the importance of collaboration in building a more inclusive motorsport community. His journey serves as a reminder that success comes from relentless effort, and his openness to inclusion underscores the power of representation in inspiring change.
This conversation is part of the Perspectives series, where Shift the Gears explores diverse voices within motorsport to inspire meaningful progress. By amplifying stories like Leonardo’s, we aim to foster a future where passion and talent transcend barriers.
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