TRACK, GRAPHICS AND HEART: DISCOVERING LUKA SAMMALISTO
Seventeen years old, heart of ice and warm hands on the wheel: Luka Sammalisto is the new face of European Formula 4. Born in the forests of Ylöjärvi and raised chasing his limits on snow-covered roads, the Finn of US Racing, whose career is managed by Minardi Management, tells a journey made of data, sisu and ambitions that point straight to FIA Formula 3. In the interview that follows, the behind-the-scenes of a driver who studies telemetry like an engineer emerges and faces each weekend with the serenity of someone who knows he still has everything to prove — and the determination to succeed.
In the paddock there are already those who label him as the new “Flying Finn”. Born in 2007 – the same year in which Kimi Raikkonen won the last world title for Scuderia Ferrari
– Sammalisto embodies the Nordic tradition of sensitivity in the wet, honed in the icy ups and downs of his home country and transferred today to a 160 HP Tatuus-Abarth.
The pace with which he has embraced the scientific method of US Racing — data, simulator, engine on the dyno — gives a glimpse of a methodical talent, less blatant than others but perhaps for this very reason more solid. A few days before the halfway point of the 2025 season, let’s try to get into the depths of a driver with measured answers but ready to be colored with irony when it comes to football or that “never give up” that the Finns call sisu.
Before delving into the technical and competitive aspects, could you briefly introduce yourself to our readers?
I’m a fast driver who always looks for the limit. I push every lap and try to get the most out of myself and the car every time I’m on track. Off the track I would say that I am humble, kind and probably a little more reserved than other riders. I like to have fun and joke, but when it matters I am focused and determined. I love football – it’s my favourite way to relax, stay active and have fun with friends when I’m not racing. I never give up: whatever the situation, I always keep fighting and moving forward.
From the forests of Ylöjärvi to the world – How has the environment in which you grew up shaped your ability to interpret data and your driving sensitivity, especially on low-grip surfaces?
Growing up in Finland, especially in Ylöjärvi, played a huge role in shaping the way I drive. We really have four seasons here, which means I’ve learned how to drive in all conditions — snow, rain, cold temperatures and ever-changing grip levels. For this reason, Finnish drivers usually develop a good feeling with the car early on, especially on low grip.
There is also a strong motorsport culture in Finland and there is a good junior programme in my city; So, I’ve had great support since I was little. The only downside is travel: it is not always easy to move abroad, with long distances and few direct flights. But we Finns are born with sisu — that “never give up” mentality — and that helps us overcome any challenge.
What setup skills learned in karting do you find yourself applying every time you tackle a Formula 4 weekend?
Honestly, not much is moving directly. Driving a Formula 4 car is very different from karting. The setups, the way the car reacts, the overall approach — it’s another level.
What I brought with me from karting is more my driving intelligence and the ability to adapt quickly. This helped me a lot. The biggest difference is that in single-seaters there is less space and time for manoeuvres. You really have to think ahead and build the situation carefully — every decision carries more weight.
Leap in power and aerodynamics – Moving on to a 160 hp Tatuus-Abarth, which telemetry parameter required the most adaptation to remain competitive?
They are all important to understand, but for me the biggest change was in the brake track. Coming from karting, braking technique in Formula 4 is completely different. You have to be much more precise with the pressure and release, and with the way you “drag” the brake on corner entry. Learning to read and analyze the brake track in detail has allowed me to make great strides.
What was the decisive element in their working method that influenced you for the choice of a top team like US Racing?
The key factor for me was their proven success in Formula 4. US Racing has a strong history of developing top riders and this has given me a lot of confidence in their approach. I really admire how structured and professional they are — they know exactly what they’re doing, from analyzing data to running on the track. That experience and consistency made the difference.
When you get close to the podium or a great result but only touch it, what emotions do you feel and how do you mentally process that disappointment to turn it into motivation for the next race?
Of course, at the beginning it hits hard. I feel intense emotions — disappointment, sometimes even anger — but I have learned to manage them. I take a moment to hear them, then I talk about them with my engineer and with Giovanni. After, I reset.
My motivation never drops, but I have learned not to overdo it for a nuanced result. You can’t drive in frustration — you have to stay totally focused on the next race, stay clear-headed and trust the process.
How does US Racing balance simulator sessions with bench tests when optimising throttle maps and qualifying strategy?
US Racing has a very data-driven approach, but since I live in Finland, most of my simulator work is done at home with former F1 engineer Ossi Oikarinen. This was a big plus for the preparation. We analyse track layouts, throttle mappings and race scenarios in detail before each stage.
At the same time, the team handles technical aspects such as bench tests and data correlation in the workshop. When I get to the track, everything comes together — my work in the simulator, the team data and strategic planning. This balance really helps to maximise performance in qualifying.
With the coordination of Minardi Management, how many days a month do you dedicate to partner relations activities compared to pure work on the track, and how is your calendar coordinated with the wider US Racing test program?
My main focus is always on performance — track time, training, simulator and mental preparation. It is needed to become a professional driver. At the same time, however, I am also growing on the media and marketing side. I work with an agency and with Minardi Management to create content at every race weekend and in the periods without races. We are building the story of Luka Sammalisto for those who follow my path. I’m also starting to get involved in sponsorships — attending corporate events, giving presentations, and building relationships. At the moment I try to devote about 20% of my time to this area. My calendar is closely coordinated with the US Racing test and race programme, so we plan all the media activities around the track sessions to keep performance as a top priority.
After more than 40 starts in F4, how do you assess the value of having a consistent track engineer compared to the continuous technical updates on the Tatuus Gen2 chassis?
For me, having a consistent track engineer is a key part of my performance. He’s the key person in my race weekends. His professional attitude gives me calm, focus, and the support I need to ride at my best. The technical updates to the Tatuus Gen2 are important, but without a strong and stable relationship with the engineer it is more difficult to take full advantage of them. When you work with someone who understands you and knows your style, everything becomes more efficient — setup, feedback, strategy. That confidence and continuity make a big difference in an entire season.
How does Formula Medicine support you and which specific cognitive exercise has led to the greatest improvement in your lap times?
At Formula Medicine we worked a lot on the mental side and, for me, visual anticipation brought the greatest improvement. It helped me to stay more focused and consistent, especially in high-pressure situations.
It’s not just about reacting faster — it’s also about understanding my emotions better. For example, when I make mistakes or feel stressed, I have learned to manage those feelings, stay calm and turn the situation into something positive. This awareness has helped me a lot with consistency in micro-sectors. It also made it easier to talk openly about everything I feel, even the negative things—to accept them without letting them take control.
Many Finnish drivers include sessions on ice or snow in their preparation. What do you learn about the perception of lateral loads that you bring back to wet conditions?
I didn’t do any formal training on snow or ice with a kart, but I did have some experience driving a car in snowy conditions. It’s more about learning how to control the car when there’s very little grip — understanding load transfer, throttle control and staying calm when the car slides.
Even though it’s not part of my regular training, I think growing up in Finland gives you a natural feeling for low grip. This helps a lot in the wet on the track, especially with tyre feedback and lateral load management.
Towards 2026 between Formula Regional, Eurocup-3 and the F4 UAE winter series. Which championship do you think offers the best cost/benefit ratio to accumulate points for obtaining the FIA Supelicense?
For me, the clear goal is FIA Formula 3. It’s the next big step I aspire to. Sure, championships like Formula Regional and Eurocup-3 can be valuable for development and Super Licence points, but in terms of cost/benefit ratio and career progression, F3 offers the most direct and meaningful path.
That said, every decision depends on the full picture — budget, testing opportunities and where I can continue to grow as a driver. But the focus is definitely on F3.
As higher categories move towards sustainable fuels and systems, what technical skills do you think today’s kart and F4 drivers need to start developing to stay ahead?
I think the most important basis is a solid physical and mental preparation. As you move up the category, the cars become more challenging — especially with changes in power steering, weight and downforce. You need more strength in your neck, arms and legs and more aerobic capacity to maintain focus and performance in longer stints.
It is also a question of balance. You have to train hard, but recovery is just as important. The better your physical condition, the easier it is to adapt to new technologies such as sustainable fuels and hybrid systems because you’re not just surviving in the car — you’re thinking, reacting and pushing to the limit.
As an admirer of Mika Häkkinen, which of his technical and driving characteristics do you still consider current and worthy of being emulated?
Absolutely — I think that all his qualities are still very current. I admire Mika Häkkinen a lot, not only for his speed, but for how sharp and consistent he was technically. Progressive trail braking is something I always try to apply in my riding, especially when managing grip in difficult conditions. Controlled oversteer helps to rotate the car without losing balance, which is crucial in qualifying laps. And stint management, as Mika showed in his 60-lap runs, is still a crucial part of race strategy. Knowing how to protect the tyres, manage the pace and stay mentally sharp on long runs is something that every rider must master.
This is who Luka Sammalisto is: behind his perhaps shy appearance, a brain pulsates that filters every kilometer in bits and graphs but without ever losing the instinct of those who have learned to “feel” the asphalt on snow slopes. If Formula 4 is the laboratory in which he forged method and resilience, the next leap towards Formula 3 will be the ultimate test. Yet, listening to him talk about sisu, visual anticipation and continuity engineering, one has the impression that the real secret is already inside him: the ability to transform every detail — from the brake track to emotional management — into an opportunity to go faster. Mark this name, the story of the new Flying Finn has just begun.
Author: Francesco Svelto