The age of 15 has become a crucial threshold in the climb toward top-level motorsport: as soon as you turn 15, you move into cars, often regardless of the context. Although this practice is widely criticized, it has become a 

custom that is hard to avoid when you have a medium-term program  underway. We discuss this with those who have followed young drivers  from the very beginning… 

At 15, you move into cars; it’s now a rule. Before asking your opinion, I’d like to take a step back. 

Why 15, and since when has this become the mandatory threshold in Junior motorsport? What factors contributed?

There isn’t a single definitive answer, but it’s clear that this is the result of a process of anticipating timelines. Years ago, to race cars you even needed a driver’s license, and drivers often reached Formula 1  after the age of 25. Today, however, you can debut at 18 – and this has lowered the age across all lower  categories. The main reasons?

The urgency to arrive early, to play your chances when you are at your freshest and most competitive. The  extremely high costs of junior formulas, which push families and teams to seek a faster climb, to limit  prolonged investments.

Moving up at 15 has thus become almost mandatory: if you want a real chance at professionalism, you have to start early. But this also raises many questions: are we sure all these young drivers are really ready at that age? Are we giving them time to grow, or are we just rushing them?

For a journey that often starts well before the age of 10, it seems almost normal that at 15 you ‘move up’ from karting to cars. The F1

Academies are beginning to change their attitude, and the trend may shift in the coming years, allowing more time and creating less pressure on very young drivers. 

 

To what extent do you think cases like Verstappen (on which the FIA then clumsily intervened to  prevent imitation) or the more recent case of Antonelli, who had an F1 contract while still underage,  have influenced this trend?

It’s not so much a question of influence: cases like Verstappen or, more recently, Antonelli, have set a very  strong precedent. They have shown that it’s possible to sign an F1 contract as a minor, and this has inevitably pushed many – families, managers, teams – to try to replicate that path as soon as possible. What tends to be  forgotten, however, is that not everyone is Verstappen or Antonelli. These exceptional cases have helped  consolidate the idea that “earlier is better,” but accelerating the timeline is not always the right choice for a  driver’s development. In fact, in recent years, F1 Academies seem to have changed their approach: they’re  no longer rushing to sign the next prodigy at 14. On the contrary, they want to see drivers ready technically, physically, and mentally before moving them up a category. There’s a stronger desire to structure the  pathways more thoughtfully, even if it’s often difficult to hold back external pressures, especially from  parents and sponsors eager for results.

So yes, “exceptional cases” have opened a path, but today the more serious organizations seem to have  understood that haste is not always a virtue, and that every driver matures at a different pace.

 

What has changed over the years between Verstappen and Antonelli, in your view?

A lot has changed between Verstappen and Antonelli, both in terms of regulations and the approach to driver development. After Max’s lightning debut in F1 at just 17, the FIA intervened by changing the rules: they  introduced the requirement of legal adulthood to obtain a Super License, in addition to accumulating a certain number of points from junior championships. This was a direct response to the “Verstappen case,” to  prevent it from becoming the norm. Even though we’re starting to see some exceptions today, the principle  remains: early access to F1 must be managed with greater caution.

But it’s not just a matter of rules. The approach to driver development has also changed. Verstappen made a  direct jump from F3 to F1 after just one season, practically without any test mileage in a modern F1 car.  Antonelli, on the other hand, although he signed very young with Mercedes, had more time to grow: he  completed three full seasons in junior formulas and accumulated a huge amount of test mileage, both with  intermediate single-seaters and with F1 cars.

In short, between Max’s era and Kimi’s, there’s been a shift in awareness: today, there’s a greater tendency to protect young drivers, to guide them with more structured programs, even if the pressure to arrive early  remains high. Early talent has always existed, but now there’s an effort to nurture it with more balance.

 

Let’s get into the technical aspects: what are the main differences between a KART (generally we’re  talking about OK, since few attempt KZ) and an F4 single-seater?

Moving from kart to F4 isn’t just a step up in category: it’s a change of world. They are two completely  different machines, requiring radically different driving styles. In karting (especially in the OK category), the driver handles an extremely responsive, very light machine, without suspension, with mechanical grip very  different from that of a car. Starts are rolling, racing lines are more fluid, and driving relies heavily on agility, precision, and managing speed through corners. In F4, you enter a much more complex environment:

1. Standing starts with clutch and torque management
2. Much more demanding braking, where you can exert up to 120 kg of pressure on the pedal
   3.   Significantly higher G-forces, requiring greater physical development
3. Completely different dynamic behavior, due to aerodynamic load, suspension, and weight distribution

In short, it’s not quite starting from scratch, but almost. Even the most talented driver must go through an adaptation phase, often demanding, to retrain body and mind to new sensations, reaction times, and ways of  interpreting the track. Karting remains the best school for forming a driver, but the move to F4 requires a  technical and mental reset that should not be underestimated.

The huge technical differences between a kart and an F4 single-seater are often underestimated; one is preparatory to the other, but they are extremely different in terms of approach and driving. 

Given these substantial differences, do you consider it an easy transition?

Given the technical differences between karts and single-seaters, no, it cannot be considered an easy  transition, neither from a sporting nor a management point of view.

Technically, as we’ve said, everything changes: driving style, car management, required physical strength,  mental approach. But what really makes the leap complicated is above all the context in which it happens.  Those with significant financial resources can start testing with F4 very early – even a year before their  official debut – racking up thousands of kilometers. This allows them to start the season with solid technical  and mental preparation, making the transition more manageable. On the other hand, those without such a  budget face a much more abrupt leap: they often arrive with only a few days of testing behind them, and they have to learn everything on the fly, against already seasoned opponents. This creates a significant gap, not so much (or not only) in terms of talent, but in experience and confidence with the car. So no, the transition is  not easy. It’s a delicate, costly, and highly selective phase, where those who do well from the start often have a very structured preparation behind them – and this is not always just a matter of merit, but also of  opportunity.

 

Which physical and psychological factors, in your opinion, have the most influence at this stage?

In the transition from kart to single-seater, both physical and psychological factors come into play, but at different times and with different impacts.

At first, the physical side is the most important: the body must get used to a completely new effort. Single- seaters require more strength in the neck, arms, and lower back, and especially much greater resistance to G- forces compared to karts. Even braking in F4, which can require up to 120 kg of pressure on the pedal, is a  real challenge for a body not yet trained to that level. Without specific preparation, you risk not being able to exploit your potential. But once the body starts to adapt and the racing season gets underway, the  psychological component makes the difference. Managing expectations, pressure, often fluctuating results,  mistakes, and top-level competition becomes crucial. This is where many young talents struggle, and that’s  why working on the mental side from a young age is fundamental. Self-confidence, the ability to handle  competition, clarity in race decisions: none of this can be improvised. And those who arrive in single-seaters  with an already formed and solid mentality definitely have a huge competitive advantage.

 

What could hinder a driver’s growth in such a sudden transition, and on the other hand, what could  reveal that we’re dealing with a true talent?

In the transition from karts to F4, there are several factors that can hinder a young driver’s growth, and the  first is undoubtedly age. At 15, you are at a delicate stage in life, where not everyone is ready to handle the  enormous load of sacrifices, pressure, and responsibility that comes with racing at a professional level.  Personal and mental maturity does not always go hand in hand with the demands of the paddock. The second obstacle, often the most concrete, is budget. Without sufficient resources, it becomes difficult to complete a  full season, with adequate testing, technical support, and competitive equipment. This penalizes even the most talented drivers, who risk going unnoticed or not being able to express their full potential.

That said, it’s precisely in difficult contexts that true talents emerge. There are drivers who, even with few  tests and limited resources, still manage to stand out, perhaps thanks to their adaptability, technical sensitivity, or clarity during races. True talent is seen when a driver manages to make a difference even in  unfavorable conditions, remaining consistent, fast, and intelligent. The leap to single-seaters is a phase that  can crush or make you shine: it’s not just about being fast, but also about how you adapt, how you react to  mistakes, how you grow over time. That’s when you can tell if you really have a future champion in front of  you.

The move to F4 is a significant step forward, requiring quick adaptation to the car but also a sense of responsibility and maturity. Ifyou’re not ready in terms of character, the risk of burning out at just 15 is very real. 

What role do track time and testing play in all this? Do you know of drivers with greater opportunities for (unofficial) F4 testing – before 15, sometimes even before 14 – who then performed well at their F4  debut simply because they had already done so much running in the car?

Testing plays a decisive role in the transition from kart to F4. It’s the moment when the driver begins to get to know the car, develop technical sensitivity, build confidence, and understand the fundamental mechanisms of single-seater driving. But unfortunately, today, testing is also a litmus test for economic inequality. With  current regulations, it’s not uncommon to see kids starting to run in F4 at 12 or 13, obviously in unofficial  tests or in countries where the rules are more permissive. Those with significant financial resources manage to rack up thousands of kilometers before even turning 15, thus arriving at their championship debut with far  more experience than average.

In many cases, these drivers then do well immediately at their debut, not necessarily because they’re more  talented, but because they’re already perfectly at ease with the car, know the circuits, can manage braking,  standing starts, and technical communication with the team. It’s a huge advantage, and those who can’t afford the same preparation inevitably find themselves playing catch-up.

Talent matters, of course. But testing makes a difference, and today the system often rewards those who have been able to prepare calmly and in advance, rather than those with pure talent but few opportunities to show It’s a delicate and very current aspect of junior motorsport, which raises important questions about the concept of merit and real opportunities for everyone.

 

Let’s do the math: to get to Formula racing at 15, you can’t do without a long karting career that 

starts almost ten years earlier, from Mini Under, Mini Gr 3 OKJ, and OK. Is there any stage among  these that you think could be skipped?

The answer is: karting is essential, absolutely. To say otherwise would be a lie. That’s where the basics are  developed: sensitivity, control, managing racing lines, competitive attitude. That said, not every single step is mandatory. If a driver has real talent, and especially if they discover and work on it the right way, they can  even skip a category or start later and still do well. Maybe they come into play later, but they do so with  awareness, maturity, and quick learning.

Of course, those who follow the whole path will have more mileage, more experience, more situations  managed. But motorsport is full of examples of drivers who, even by taking “non-standard” paths, have  managed to emerge thanks to pure quality and the ability to adapt quickly.

In short: karting is the best school, but not everyone has to do the entire program to break through. Talent –  when it’s there – always finds a way to come out.

 

Broadening the topic: could a true talent, for example, not have had a long and brilliant karting career and still do well in cars? Or if you don’t start at 8, is it better to give up?

The answer is yes, absolutely. As already mentioned, karting is important, but only up to a point. There’s no  mathematical rule that says those who were fast in karts will also be fast in cars. Likewise, it’s not certain that those who didn’t shine in karting can’t make a difference in single-seaters. The two machines are very  different technically and stylistically. There are drivers who maybe can’t express themselves at their best in  karts, but once they get into a car, they find their natural dimension.

The key lies in adaptability, the ability to learn quickly, and mental consistency. There are also many concrete examples: drivers who didn’t make a mark in single-seaters but then became world champions in  closed-wheel racing, dominating in GT, Endurance, or Touring Cars. This shows that talent doesn’t come in  just one form.

So no, it’s not at all true that if you don’t start at 8 it’s better to give up. Of course, starting early helps, but it’s never too late if you have the right qualities and the right environment to develop them. Motorsport is full of atypical paths that have led to extraordinary careers.

On the wave of “one in a million” cases like Verstappen and Antonelli, enthusiasm has grown in recent years for ever earlier debuts, which aren’t always necessary at a very young age if there’s real talent. 

 

Why do you think, despite criticism from many quarters, this “philosophy” continues to succeed? Is  there a risk that the sporting-commercial mechanism could break down?

The truth is that criticism alone isn’t enough to change a system, and this applies not only to motorsport, but  to many other sports. If a model continues to “work,” meaning it produces talent, interest, and business, it’s  unlikely to be questioned. Even if it’s elitist, even if it excludes many promising young people for economic  reasons.

The real critical point, however, isn’t opinions or judgments: it’s economic sustainability. Today, the costs to seriously participate in junior formulas are off the charts: you need enormous budgets already in F4, not to  mention F3 or F2. As long as there’s enough demand – that is, families and investors willing to support these amounts – the system will go on. But the real crisis could come when this willingness starts to decline. When there are no longer enough drivers able to bear these costs, or when sponsors stop believing in a concrete  return. That’s when the sporting-commercial mechanism could indeed break down.

In short: criticism won’t change the system, but money will. If costs keep rising out of control, the risk of  seeing a collapse in participation, and therefore competitiveness, becomes very real.

 

And here we are at the grand finale: what do you think, Giovanni Minardi, about the  “professionalism” threshold at 15, and what advice do you give to those embarking on this long journey?

At this point, I’m often asked what I think about the so-called “professionalism threshold” at 15, meaning

the moment when so many youngsters move from karts to single-seaters. And my answer is simple: I don’t  think there’s a right age for everyone. It’s difficult to set a universally valid threshold, because every young  person is different. The real issue, in my opinion, is understanding when a driver is ready – physically, but  above all mentally – to face such an important, demanding, and risky step. It’s not enough to look at the  calendar: you have to assess maturity, balance, and awareness. It’s a wonderful sport, but also tough and  dangerous, and unfortunately this aspect is too often underestimated. Not all fifteen-year-olds are the same.  Some are ready at 14, others aren’t even at 16. And that’s fine. Forcing the timeline just to follow a standard  model or external pressures can do more harm than good.

The advice I feel like giving to those starting this long journey is: don’t rush. Focus on your growth, try to  learn every day, toughen up without wanting to skip steps. And above all: surround yourself with people who help you build a path tailored to you, not to the system. Talent matters, but without balance, patience, and  preparation, it’s not enough.

 

 

Markas Silkunas and Vanesa Silkunaite have officially switched teams and will race under the Tony Kart Official banner for the rest of the season. The two talented and determined drivers, who impressed throughout the first half of the year, will take part in the Champions of the Future series, as well as the Rodby and Kristiansand rounds in the OK category, and the FIA European Championship. Their journey will culminate with the World Championship in Kristiansand.

This move marks a significant milestone in the career development of both drivers, as they continue to grow and pursue ever-stronger results. With the backing and experience of the Tony Kart Official team, Markas and Vanesa are ready to embrace new challenges and fight for top positions at every race weekend.

Team Representative Giovanni commented:
“I believe returning to Tony Kart equipment,  this time with the official team, is a very positive change for both Markas and Vanesa in this final stretch of the season.
Markas joins this new environment looking to secure the results he truly deserves, while Vanesa begins her journey in the OK category, laying the groundwork for a strong 2026 season. I want to thank Tony Kart for this outstanding opportunity, and I hope my drivers will repay the team with solid performances.”

Written by: Gabriele Bovio

From Sweden to Italy, passing through Hungary, it was an intense weekend for our drivers, competing in various national and international categories and championships. Between unexpected debuts, well-deserved podiums, determined comebacks, and some unfortunate incidents, every competitor gave their best on track, gaining valuable kilometers, experience, and in many cases, significant results.

From karting competitions such as the WSK Euro Series and the Champions of the Future Academy Program to single-seater and GT championships, the performances of our drivers confirm the quality and constant growth of a team determined to improve race after race.

Zack Zhu – P14 – WSK Euro Series, Cremona (Italy), OKNJ Category
The first to take to the track over the weekend, Zack Zhu participated in the WSK Euro Series round at the Cremona circuit. For the young French driver, it was a weekend of learning and adaptation, made more challenging by limited testing opportunities in Italy due to previous commitments on French national tracks.
Despite the initial difficulties, Zack approached the weekend with determination, using every session to gather useful data for the upcoming race on the same circuit, valid for the Italian Championship. The race concluded with a 14th-place finish, a result that, while not fully reflecting his potential, marked an important step forward in preparation and awareness. The past weekend proved to be a valuable testing ground for Zack, who will now face the next round with greater confidence and competitiveness, aiming for a significant result.

Jason Kosmopoulos – Champions Of The Future Academy Program, Jesolo (Italy), OKNJ Category
RACE 1: P27/DNF
RACE 2: P16

The first of seven drivers in the Jesolo round of the Champions of the Future Academy Program, Jason Kosmopoulos, faced a particularly challenging weekend, affected by a chassis change that required significant adaptation work. The pursuit of the correct vehicle setup and the need to replace several components slowed the young driver’s progress, preventing him from fully demonstrating his potential in terms of final results.
Nevertheless, Jason responded with determination, showing speed and resilience in every phase of the weekend. His adaptability and the positive signs on track give hope for the upcoming events of the season. The path he’s on is the right one: with more technical stability and the support of the team, Kosmopoulos will soon be targeting top positions.

Benjamin Westwood – Champions Of The Future Academy Program, Jesolo (Italy), OKNJ Category
RACE 1: P5
RACE 2: P15

The second driver on track in the Jesolo round of the Champions of the Future Academy Program, Benjamin Westwood, had a positive weekend in terms of performance, although a bit unlucky with a bumper penalty that affected his final result in Race 2.Benji started strongly, demonstrating great speed and securing an impressive second-place qualification. Throughout the weekend, he maintained consistency and competitiveness, staying in the top positions. Race 1 saw him finish in fifth place, maintaining his speed throughout. In Race 2, however, some unfavorable incidents dropped him to 15th place, from the seventh he held when crossing the finish line.
Despite the result, the weekend was a clear confirmation of Benjamin’s potential, both technically and mentally. The approach shown—pragmatic, mature, and combative—sets the foundation for achieving important results. Now the focus shifts to the next Italian Championship round in Cremona, where Benji can capitalize on this boost of confidence and aim for a notable result.

Julia Angelard – Champions Of The Future Academy Program, Jesolo (Italy), OKNJ Category
RACE 1: P12
RACE 2: P2

An unforgettable weekend for Julia Angelard, who finally reaped the rewards of the work and consistency she has shown since the start of the season at the Jesolo circuit. The young Polish driver was a key figure right from Saturday, showcasing great competitiveness, solidity, and speed in every session, earning 12th place in Race 1 due to a contact that relegated her from second to 12th. Always among the fastest and never in trouble, Julia constructed a result that had eluded her for too long, securing second place in Race 2 after a flawless performance, moving up from excellent results in all qualifying sessions.
Julia’s growth trajectory is bearing fruit, and the podium she earned in Jesolo is confirmation of her ever-developing talent. The goal now is to continue on this path, aiming to consolidate her place at the top. The next event in the ROK Cup Italy will be an important opportunity for her to confirm her performance and keep collecting podiums and why not, aim for victory.

Vanesa Silkunaite – Champions Of The Future Academy Program, Jesolo (Italy), OKNJ Category
RACE 1: P12/P11
RACE 2: DNS

A tough weekend for Vanesa, competing in the Jesolo round of the Champions of the Future Academy Program. The young driver faced numerous difficulties that prevented her from competing regularly at the front, but she showed important signs of grit and ability to fight back, particularly in Race 1, which ended with her in 11th position. On Sunday, during one of the heats, where she was recovering with great determination, Vanesa was involved in a violent accident. Fortunately, the incident did not result in physical harm, but as a precaution, it was decided she would not participate in the final.
Until then, Vanesa had demonstrated great character, reacting to challenges with courage and a fighting spirit. While the incident is hard to accept, it serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of safety and clarity in sports, especially in a complex and risky discipline like motorsport. Now, it will be essential to recover physically and mentally, with the aim of returning to the track soon with the desire to fight and reclaim the results she deserves.

Nefeli Kosmopoulos – Champions Of The Future Academy Program, Jesolo (Italy), OKNJ Category
RACE 1: P26/DNF
RACE 2: P26

Nefeli Kosmopoulos also participated in the Jesolo round of the Champions of the Future Academy Program. For the young driver, it was a particularly challenging weekend, affected by limited track time earlier in the season. Despite the difficulties, Nefeli faced each session with great determination, never holding back and fighting until the end. Race 1 was quite complex, and unfortunately, she was forced to retire. She finished Race 2 in 26th place, but what stands out is the positive spirit with which she approached the entire weekend.
The will and attitude shown at Jesolo are promising signs. With the summer break ahead, it will be crucial for Nefeli to accumulate more kilometers and experience, so that she can return to the next event in September, ready and more competitive than ever.

Markas Silkunas – Champions Of The Future Academy Program, Jesolo (Italy), OKNS Category
RACE 1: P3
RACE 2: P7

The last of our drivers to take to the track in the Jesolo round of the Champions of the Future Academy Program, Markas Silkunas had a slightly more complex weekend compared to previous ones but still earned another important podium. Despite some difficulties, the young Lithuanian driver managed the situation with maturity, finishing Race 1 in third place and Race 2 in seventh, securing valuable points for the championship.
Markas’s determination never faltered, and his ability to secure a solid result even under non-ideal conditions confirms his steady growth. Now, attention shifts to the next event at the Slovakia Ring, a track where Markas has previously raced and where he will aim to return to the front and fight for victory.

Maya Weug – FRECA, Hungaroring (Budapest, Hungary)
RACE 1: P22
RACE 2: P29/ DNF

A last-minute call saw Maya step in at the Hungaroring to replace an injured driver in the Formula Regional Championship. A challenging yet unexpected opportunity, which the young Dutch driver faced with great determination despite the lack of preparation and limited time to adapt to a car she hadn’t driven for some time.
The weekend was tough in many aspects, but Maya never gave up, tackling every session with courage and teamwork, working closely with the team to adapt as quickly as possible.
Beyond the result, Maya gained valuable kilometers, crucial for her growth and experience. The focus now shifts back to the F1 Academy, where the young driver will aim to give her best at the upcoming Zandvoort event at the end of August, with the goal of scoring valuable points and staying firmly in the running for the World Championship.

Deven Grabko – Aquila Formula 1000 Championship, Ring Knutsrop (Sweden)
RACE 1: P9
RACE 2: P9
RACE 3: P11

Deven Grabko’s progress continues positively in the Swedish Aquila Formula 1000 Championship. At the technical Ring Knutstorp circuit, the young driver secured two top-10 finishes, confirming the consistent progress made in recent outings. Grabko is approaching the championship with great seriousness and determination. The intense work on the simulator and consistent efforts on track are paying off, and Deven continues to grow race by race, never holding back.

The short-term goal is now to move decisively into the top five, aiming for even more ambitious results as the season progresses. The path is right, and the potential is there: Deven is ready to continue his climb.

Manuel Quandamcarlo – FX GT4 Italy, Monza (Italy)
RACE 1: P7/P1 Class
RACE 2: P4/P1 Class

An extraordinary weekend for Manuel Quandamcarlo and his team in the FX GT4 Italy Championship at the legendary Monza circuit. With two flawless races, conducted without errors and with exceptional pace, Manuel secured a stunning double class victory, along with excellent overall placements.
The young driver displayed speed, clarity, and maximum precision throughout the weekend, confirming his driving skills and great synergy with the team. A result that takes on even greater significance considering the personal challenges Manuel has been facing away from the track. The hope is that these successes will serve as a positive boost both inside and outside the paddock. We wish Manuel the very best: he deserves this, and we are sure he will continue on this path with determination and talent.

Author: Gabriele Bovio