DUDU SALAMONDE ANNOUNCES NEW CHAPTER IN SINGLE-SEATERS, SETS SIGHTS ON FORMULA 4 FOR 2027

The 15-year-old from São Paulo closes the chapter on karting, has already tested formula cars, and is working to determine his next step.

São Paulo, Brazil — August 24, 2026

After seven seasons building his career in karting, Dudu Salamonde (Minardi Management powered by DAG / EXA Tecnologia / Vero Coco / DKR / RL Eng. Design / Casa Barô / SOMA Blindados) is now accelerating into a new phase of his career. At 15, the São Paulo-born driver has officially moved on from karting and begun the transition to single-seaters, taking the first steps in a change that will shape the next stages of his motorsport journey.

A five-time São Paulo State champion and Brazilian Rotax Junior Max karting champion, Dudu has already completed tests in formula cars and is working to define his future during the final months of 2026. His main plan for 2027 is to compete in the Italian Formula 4 Championship, one of the most important stepping stones for drivers leaving karting and pursuing a career in European motorsport. Dudu is currently in discussions with teams to determine his 2027 seat, with a final decision expected to be made in November.

Earlier this year, Dudu gained experience on Brazilian circuits such as Velocitta and Interlagos before expanding his testing program to Europe. The driver also had the opportunity to drive a single-seater at the Varano circuit in Italy, an experience that introduced him to a very different environment from the one he had known throughout his karting years. The program is supported by Minardi, the renowned Italian name that has played a significant role in Formula 1 history.

For Dudu, the move to single-seaters will be approached as a process of development and progression. The plan is to compete in two seasons of Formula 4, with the goal of turning the experience gained into results and, in the following years, pursuing opportunities in categories such as Formula Regional and Formula 3, taking another step up the motorsport ladder.

“I want to adapt as quickly as possible, understand everything, keep improving throughout these F4 seasons, and start fighting for results,” explains Dudu Salamonde.

Salamonde’s preparation will include further trips to Italy next September, even before the championship he will contest in 2027 is finalized. In November, Dudu and his team are planning testing sessions at the Monza and Imola circuits. The goal is to allow the Brazilian to arrive in the new season already familiar with the tracks and better prepared for the demands of Formula 4.

The transition to single-seaters also represents a major lifestyle change for Dudu Salamonde. This season, the São Paulo driver spent extended periods away from home during his first full year competing in European karting, racing in Italy, Spain, Germany, and Sweden. The travel and time away from his family were also part of a learning experience that went beyond the racetrack—something Dudu considers essential to the future he aims to build in Europe.

“Being away from home was one of the most difficult parts. It taught me that I need to be prepared for the routine that lies ahead. I learned how to deal with missing home and being away from my family. Now I want to make the most of my time with my family in Brazil so that I can be ready for the life I want to have in Europe,” Salamonde commented.

There is no shortage of inspiration for this new chapter. Drivers such as Kimi Antonelli, who raced in the Italian Formula 4 Championship before becoming a leading figure in Formula 1, are among those who have followed a similar path. Dudu also draws inspiration from Ayrton Senna, whose determination, focus, and will to win are qualities the São Paulo driver seeks to carry into his own career, including through the physical and mental training he undertakes alongside Nuno Cobra Júnior.

With his karting chapter now closed and his first single-seater miles already under his belt, the São Paulo driver is focusing his efforts on discussions with teams and preparation for a new chapter. The Italian Formula 4 Championship is his primary destination, while the dream of reaching Formula 1 continues to grow stronger on the horizon.

Text by Kako Marques / KMCom Assessoria
Follow Dudu Salamonde on Instagram:
@eduardosalamonde