F1 ABU DHABI 2025: IL COMMENTO ESCLUSIVO DI GIOVANNI MINARDI

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Alla vigilia del Gran Premio di Abu Dhabi, ultima e decisiva sfida per il titolo Mondiale 2025 di Formula 1, riportiamo in esclusiva il pensiero di Giovanni Minardi, Fondatore e anima sportiva di Minardi Management. Forte di oltre 35 anni vissuti nel motorsport internazionale, la sua esperienza rende particolarmente autorevole la lettura di un finale così aperto ed equilibrato.
Lando Norris arriva all’appuntamento con 408 punti, inseguito da Max Verstappen a quota 396 e da Oscar Piastri con 392. Tre piloti racchiusi in appena 16 lunghezze, distacchi minimi e un Mondiale che si deciderà soltanto sotto l’ultima bandiera a scacchi della stagione. Di seguito, l’analisi completa rilasciata da Giovanni Minardi.

Le dichiarazioni esclusive di Giovanni Minardi

Sul vantaggio di Norris e la forza mentale di Verstappen:
«Il mio pensiero è che, sicuramente, Lando Norris sia avvantaggiato per i punti, ma credo che la forza mentale di Max Verstappen in queste occasioni e oltretutto su una pista dove va sempre molto forte possa rappresentare un’arma in più per lui. Sinceramente, io mi tengo Verstappen: per l’esperienza che ha, per la padronanza che dimostra, per il fatto di essere un quattro volte Campione del Mondo. Ha una freddezza particolare e, soprattutto, nulla da perdere rispetto agli altri due.»

Sul ruolo di Piastri nella lotta al titolo:
«Ovviamente, Oscar Piastri è quello più in difficoltà perché la distanza è importante anche per lui, ma a mio parere se la giocheranno soprattutto Norris e Verstappen. Max, grazie alla sua esperienza e alla sua tranquillità, ha qualcosina in più nonostante il distacco in classifica.»

Sullo scenario della gara e il possibile colpo di scena:
«Questa è la situazione. Teoricamente l’ordine dovrebbe essere Norris, Verstappen e Piastri, ma io dico che Verstappen potrebbe regalarci qualche emozione in più. Se dovesse conquistare la pole position, metterebbe subito in difficoltà sia Norris sia Piastri. Per questo motivo vedo ancora Max in grado di compiere un ennesimo miracolo da grande campione.»

Sulle responsabilità del team McLaren nella gestione della stagione:
«Se così fosse, sarebbe una sconfitta che riguarderebbe più il team che i piloti, perché la mancata decisione su alcune situazioni ha portato la McLaren ad arrivare all’ultima gara senza aver già chiuso il Mondiale. Con la supremazia tecnica mostrata, avrebbero potuto e forse dovuto chiuderlo in anticipo.»

Le parole di Giovanni Minardi offrono una lettura chiara di un finale che si giocherà tutto su esperienza, nervi saldi e capacità di sfruttare ogni occasione. A Yas Marina non ci sarà spazio per errori.

LA NOTIZIA SPORTIVA & MINARDI MANAGEMENT

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Siamo lieti di annunciare la nascita di una nuova e prestigiosa collaborazione tra La Notizia Sportiva e Minardi Management, realtà storica e punto di riferimento nel panorama internazionale del motorsport.

Minardi Management, da oltre trent’anni, rappresenta un modello di eccellenza nella formazione e gestione dei giovani piloti, unendo la tradizione sportiva della famiglia Minardi a una visione moderna e strategica capace di accompagnare i talenti fino alle competizioni professionali.

Di seguito le dichiarazioni ufficiali:
Giovanni Minardi:
«È un piacere poter unire le nostre competenze e la nostra visione con una realtà che valorizza lo sport e il talento con la stessa passione che mettiamo ogni giorno nel nostro lavoro. Crediamo molto in questo progetto e nelle opportunità che potrà offrire ai nostri giovani piloti.»

Dorothea Schulz:
«Questa partnership rappresenta un passo importante nella crescita dei nostri atleti e nella diffusione dei valori in cui crediamo: impegno, professionalità e ambizione. Non vediamo l’ora di condividere nuove storie, risultati e percorsi insieme.»

Dichiarazione di Cristian La Rosa:
«Siamo profondamente orgogliosi di affiancarci a Minardi Management, una realtà che ha lasciato un segno indelebile nella storia del motorsport e che continua a essere un riferimento nella crescita dei giovani talenti. La loro tradizione, unita a una visione moderna e concreta, ha contribuito negli anni a formare piloti diventati protagonisti ai massimi livelli.

Questa collaborazione, per noi, rappresenta molto più di una semplice nuova pagina professionale: è un impegno autentico nel raccontare e valorizzare il percorso dei ragazzi con cura e responsabilità. Con la stessa dedizione che da sempre caratterizza la famiglia Minardi, siamo pronti a sostenere un progetto che guarda al futuro e continua a ispirare il nostro sport.»

La Notizia Sportiva e Minardi Management definiranno insieme i prossimi step comunicativi e procederanno con un lancio coordinato sui rispettivi canali ufficiali.

QATAR: VERSTAPPEN WINS AHEAD OF PIASTRI, PODIUM FOR SAINZ

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Verstappen triumphs in Qatar ahead of Oscar Piastri thanks to a brilliant strategy and closes the championship gap to -12. Piastri, who led for most of the race, owes his second place to a strategic error by the pit wall, which effectively handed victory to the Dutchman. Taking advantage of the mistake is Carlos Sainz in the Williams, who secures his second podium of the season. Ferrari collapses, finishing the championship in fourth place in the Constructors’ standings. The title will therefore be decided at the final race in Abu Dhabi.

GIOVANNI’S COMMENTARY
Both on track and morally, the winner is Max Verstappen’s Red Bull. After a difficult sprint, the Dutch driver rediscovered his performance and, thanks to the team’s perfect strategy, reduced the gap to just 12 points behind Norris, the championship leader. A good weekend also for Tsunoda, who scored points in both the sprint and the main race.

McLaren comes out defeated on a track where the MCL39 is clearly superior. After winning the sprint with Piastri, the Woking team delivered a true disaster in the race. Now the team must make a decision, otherwise Verstappen may be the one to capitalize.

Carlos Sainz returns to the podium, delivering a flawless race thanks also to excellent work from the pit wall. Albon continues to struggle and now risks being overtaken in the drivers’ standings by his teammate.

At Mercedes, Antonelli continues to shine, once again finishing ahead of his teammate. The Silver Arrows are now very close to securing second place in the Constructors’ Championship.

Another disaster for Ferrari. Leclerc salvages what he can, while Hamilton sinks even deeper. The British driver might even start thinking about retirement. Another season this disastrous does not seem like the right choice, and I don’t think he can withstand it — not to mention the damage to his image, because in 2026, with another similar season, people would remember him for two negative years in red rather than for his seven world titles.

Aston Martin sees the lion of Oviedo roar once more: Fernando Alonso. The Spaniard extracts the maximum — albeit limited — potential from his car. Stroll remains lost.

At Racing Bull, Lawson finishes ahead of his teammate, who nonetheless has a strong weekend. Important points for the Faenza team in the Constructors’ fight.

A weekend to forget for Haas, with Bearman retiring with a penalty and Ocon in great difficulty.
Alpine starts well, with excellent qualifying from Gasly, but must give up on the points after contact with Hülkenberg. Colapinto finishes fourteenth thanks to several retirements.

Finally, Sauber. Hülkenberg commits a rookie mistake in the collision with Gasly. Bortoleto is slowly improving but still outside the points.

Author: Gabriele Bovio

SILKUNAS VICTORY AND SECOND PLACE IN AL AIN, FIFTH PLACE FOR SILKUNAITE AND ANGELARD

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Another intense weekend for our drivers, competing between Al Ain and Lonato in two events filled with emotions and growth. Julia, Vanesa and Markas took part in the Champions of the Future Academy Program. At the same time, Zack and Benji challenged themselves at the prestigious Trofeo delle Industrie in Lonato, gaining new experiences and confirming their great potential.

Julia Angelard – Champions of the Future Academy Program – Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) – Junior Category
RACE 1: P5
RACE 2: P15
The Champions of the Future Academy Program returned to action in Al Ain, where Julia Angelard experienced an intense weekend rich in positive signs. On Saturday, the young driver started on the right foot, securing a series of excellent results and finishing the final in a solid P5. On Sunday, despite some engine-related difficulties, Julia managed the situation with maturity, still bringing home a P15 that is valuable for her experience and growth.
A demanding weekend, then, but one that once again confirms the value of the Polish driver, who showed speed, determination and consistency. Even in the most complicated situations, Julia proved her ability to respond with great professionalism and competitive spirit.

Vanesa Silkunaite – Champions of the Future Academy Program – Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) – Senior Category
RACE 1: P5
RACE 2: P10
Vanesa was also back on track, delivering a weekend very similar to Julia’s. On Saturday, the Lithuanian driver shone with a splendid P5, confirming the high expectations. Sunday was more challenging, but Vanesa handled the difficulties with determination, finishing in P10.
Overall, it was a positive performance: the young driver showed great speed, character and competitiveness. A weekend that further enriches her experience and contributes to her growth on track.

Markas Silkunas – Champions of the Future Academy Program – Al Ain (United Arab Emirates) – Senior Category
RACE 1: P1
RACE 2: P2
Last to take to the track in Al Ain, Markas delivered a simply perfect weekend, crowned by victory in Saturday’s race and an excellent second place on Sunday. A crucial haul of points for the Championship heading into the final round, which will take place on Monday at Al Forsan.
Markas once again confirms that he is the true standout of this competition: he dominates almost all sessions and adds another prestigious win to his extraordinary season. Now, all focus turns to the final event, with the goal of finishing in the best possible way and fighting hard for the title.

Zack Zhu – P10 – Trofeo delle Industrie, Lonato (Italy) – OKJ Category
The Trofeo delle Industrie took place in Lonato, marking an excellent debut for Zack Zhu. The French driver hit the track for the first time with Kalí Kart, securing a solid P10 in the final.
Zack is a driver with enormous potential, and the goal remains to consistently fight for the top five positions. However, this weekend represents an important step in his journey: a valuable experience, made even more significant by his debut with the new equipment. A result that lays solid foundations for the upcoming events.

Benjamin Westwood – P14 – Trofeo delle Industrie, Lonato (Italy) – OKJ Category
Also competing in the Trofeo delle Industrie was Benjamin Westwood. The young driver put effort into every session of the weekend, having to deal with some difficulties that made the work more challenging than expected. Despite this, Benji showed great character and determination, managing to secure a deserved P14 in the final.
His growth path continues steadily: he is still adapting to the new category and, race after race, gaining valuable experience. Benji just needs to find the right balance to fully express his significant potential. With this maturity and attitude, his results can only continue to improve.

Author: Gabriele Bovio

TEAM BAHRAIN AIM HIGH AT ELITE KARTING CONTEST

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MOTORSPORT – An 11-strong Team Bahrain are all geared up and excited to hit the track this week in one of the biggest annual events in the world of grassroots motorsport.

The Rotax MAX Challenge Grand Finals (RMCGF) 2025 takes Bahrain International Karting Circuit (BIKC) by storm this week, bringing to Sakhir 400 of international karting’s elite.

They are representing 60 countries from around the world, and will be battling it out in eight high-octane categories.

Headlining the field are the kingdom’s top talents, featuring Tariq Soofi in the Micro MAX class, Shaikh Ahmed bin Saqer Al Khalifa and Jude Andrews in the Mini MAX, Demir Abali and Rashid Hilal in the Junior MAX, Tye Mejia in the Senior MAX, Abdulla Sajjad and Abdulqader Qasem in the DD2, and Yousif Alaali, Vedant Menon, and Mohammed Alhasan in the E20 Senior.

“I’m super excited!” Tariq, who is the squad’s youngest competitor, told the GDN.

“I’ve been counting the days down and I can’t wait to race. It feels like a huge adventure as the event is in our own country, and I wish the best of luck to all the racers.”

Added Mejia, who was also part of Team Bahrain the last time the RMCGF was held at BIKC in 2023: “I have high hopes, but I must stay humble. I have huge goals for the week and, knowing it’s my home track and that two years ago we finished P10 in the grand final, I believe anything is possible.”

Tariq and Mejia are part of Bahrain-based karting team NorthStar Racing, and both were champions in the 2024-25 season of the Bahrain Rotax MAX Challenge, which earned them their spots in this year’s RMCGF.

Hilal was a late addition to the kingdom’s roster after a spot opened up during the participants’ official registration, which concluded yesterday at BIKC.

Aside from the aforementioned categories, racing will also be held this week in the RMCGF’s DD2 Masters and E20 Masters classes.

Pre-event formalities continue today with the raffle of karts, the traditional track walk, the drivers’ briefings and presentation, and a welcome get-together.

On-track action gets underway tomorrow at BIKC with the opening non-qualifying practice sessions, which continue on Tuesday and Wednesday.

Qualifying practices will also be held Wednesday along with the first qualifying heats, which carry over to Thursday.

The pre-finals are then set to be held under lights on Friday, setting the stage for the finals on Saturday on the concluding day of this year’s karting spectacle.

All are welcome to attend from Wednesday onwards and enjoy the high-intensity, wheel-to-wheel racing.

Entrance is free of charge and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.

BIKC will be opening its gates to fans from 10am until the end of track activity on each day, except for Friday, when spectators can access the circuit from 4.30pm.

A Bahraini competitor has yet to climb the podium in the RMCGF, and Alhasan is aiming to change that. “My goal for this week is to bring home Bahrain’s very first grand finals podium,” he told the GDN.

Alhasan, Alaali, and Menon are all set to compete in the RMCGF’s E20 category for the first time.

“I hope to adapt to the E20 as quickly as possible – it’s pretty different from what I’m used to, so I want to learn fast and do my best,” Alaali told the GDN. “And of course, I want to help Team Bahrain get strong results.”

The kingdom’s karters are looking to make the most of this week’s experience.

They highlighted the RMCGF’s significance to their racing careers and to all those who are a part of the event, which offers a tremendous boost to their development.

“Racing in the grand finals is a chance that not many people get, so when you have that opportunity, take it!” Mejia told the GDN. “I’ve been lucky to be here three times now and every time, I have learned something new.”

Alaali concurred. “Top drivers from all over the world are here – it’s one of the highest levels in karting, and being here helps us learn a lot and see where we stand as we move up in motorsport.”

Young Tariq added: “This event is really important because it lets us all race against each other from around the world. It helps us learn fast, get better, and gain experience for the future.

“Big races like this make us stronger and more confident as we move up in our racing careers.”

Alhasan stressed: “⁠This is the biggest karting event of the year for me and for many others. It is a great opportunity to be seen on the global stage against the very best.”

This week’s thrilling battles will be held along BIKC’s 1.414-kilometre CIK-FIA track, which has also hosted world championship events in the past featuring drivers such as Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, George Russell, and many more who are amongst the biggest stars in Formula One today.

The RMCGF 2025 is the third time Rotax karting’s showpiece event is being held in the kingdom, following hugely successful occasions in 2023 and 2021.

patrick@gdnmedia.bh

WEUG ON THE PODIUM IN THE FINAL ROUND OF THE F1 ACADEMY. BATTLES AND COMEBACKS AT THE WSK FINAL CUP IN LONATO

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A racing weekend that saw our drivers competing on two fronts: the WSK Final Cup in Lonato on one side, and the decisive F1 Academy round in Las Vegas on the other. Weather played a major role at the Lonato circuit, with several comeback drives characterizing the weekend. In Las Vegas, Maya fought until the very end for the world championship title.

Maya Weug – F1 Academy, Las Vegas
RACE 1: DNS
RACE 2: P3

Final race of the year for Maya on the Las Vegas circuit, which hosted the F1 Academy title decider. The weekend began with a challenging qualifying session that placed her in fifth position. In Race 1, a contact during the formation lap unfortunately forced her into an early retirement, compromising her chances of earning precious points in the title fight.
In Race 2, however, Maya reacted with determination and character: the Dutch driver fought with great grit and secured a well-deserved podium.
Despite her effort, Maya ultimately missed out on the title. She ends her season knowing she gave everything up to the very last corner, battling on equal terms with a top-level rival. The title fight remained open until the final round, and Maya proved capable of responding blow for blow, always with professionalism and a fierce competitive spirit.
Now it’s time to recharge and prepare for next season—stronger and more determined than ever.

Zack Zhu – P7 – WSK Final Cup, Lonato (Italy), OK-J Category
A demanding weekend for Zack at Lonato, marked by difficult moments but also by impressive comebacks. Rain during qualifying limited his initial potential, but the Frenchman didn’t give up: in the heats he fought back with determination and clarity, laying the groundwork for a strong final. Starting P19 in the final, Zack showcased his talent, climbing to P10 (later classified as P7 after rivals’ penalties), delivering one of the most remarkable recoveries of the event.
A solid performance that once again highlights his speed, race management skills, and the grit that always sets him apart.
Zack remains one of the agency’s most consistent and competitive drivers. His growth throughout the season has been clear—both technically and mentally—and the potential for further improvement is huge. Continuing on this path, he will undoubtedly achieve major results and great satisfaction.

Benjamin Westwood – DNQ – WSK Final Cup, Lonato (Italy)
Final WSK Final Cup event of the year for Benji, who faced a particularly tough weekend. Heavy rain during qualifying contributed to an incident that complicated his path even further. In the heats, Benji gave everything to fight back, though it wasn’t enough to secure the desired result.
Despite the difficulties, the weekend represents an important learning opportunity. Benji must now focus especially on improving his performance in wet conditions—a crucial skill for handling such complex and unpredictable race weekends. At the same time, he continues adapting to his new category, a fundamental step in his development.

Jason Kosmopoulos – DNQ – WSK Final Cup, Lonato (Italy)
WSK Final Cup weekend for Jason as well, racing at Lonato. Heavy rain made the event particularly difficult, with track conditions that weren’t ideal for the Greek driver. The wet weather and some race-related contacts prevented him from reaching the final, limiting his potential results.
Despite the challenges, Jason showed clear signs of growth and determination. He continues adapting to his new category, where more testing and mileage will be essential for refining his driving and consolidating his abilities.
This challenging weekend is nonetheless another important step in his development path: every experience—especially the tough ones—contributes to his evolution as a driver. He heads home with greater awareness and motivation to continue improving.

Nefeli Kosmopoulos – DNQ – WSK Final Cup, Lonato (Italy)
Still at the WSK Final Cup in Lonato, this time with Nefeli Kosmopoulos on track. Although she did not qualify for the final, she completed an overall positive weekend enriched with many valuable insights for her growth.
Despite not being in ideal physical condition and suffering from fever, Nefeli showed great determination, a strong competitive spirit, and a remarkable desire to push herself. This weekend is especially significant for her—not just for the experience gained, but also for her display of character and resilience. Another important step added to her journey, with the awareness that she is on the right path.

Vladimir Ivannikov – P8 – WSK Final Cup, Lonato (Italy), OK Category
The last agency driver on track at Lonato, Vladimir Ivannikov experienced a unique weekend, full of comebacks and consistently strong speed. Despite some difficult moments early on, the young driver reacted with maturity and determination: in the final he rolled up his sleeves and crossed the line in P9, later classified as P8 after a rival’s penalty, once again confirming his potential.
This race concludes Vladimir’s season—a very positive year that saw him claim an important podium and several high-level performances. His development has been steady and evident, a sign of his dedication and his ability to make the difference in key moments.
Now it’s time to recharge and prepare for next season, where the goal will be to fight for the championships he enters. The foundations are solid and the potential is high: Vladimir’s future looks extremely promising.

Author: Gabriele Bovio

VERSTAPPEN WINS IN LAS VEGAS, DOUBLE PODIUM FOR MERCEDES. BOTH MCLARENS DISQUALIFIED

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Max Verstappen reopens the fight for the title, helped by the double disqualification of both McLarens due to technical irregularities. Double podium for Mercedes, now increasingly close to securing second place in the constructors’ championship. Ferrari still collects points and narrowly misses the podium with Leclerc. Important points also for Carlos Sainz and Hadjar, with both teams battling for fifth place in the constructors’ standings.

GIOVANNI’S COMMENTARY
At Red Bull, Max Verstappen continues to fly. After dispatching Lando Norris with ease, the Dutchman dominated the race and brought home the victory. Tsunoda remains anonymous, effectively preventing the Anglo-Austrian team from fighting for the constructors’ championship.

Mercedes secures a double podium, helped by the McLaren disqualifications. A great race from Antonelli after a lackluster qualifying. His second consecutive podium—after Brazil—and another strong performance. Russell is always ready and grabs an important podium. Mercedes is getting ever closer to securing second place in the constructors’ standings.

McLaren disastrous. Piastri still can’t find the right performance, and Norris is not up to the level shown in recent races. The team, however, is responsible for the complete disaster that reopens the drivers’ championship. The double disqualification gives Verstappen the chance to fight until the end, with 58 points still available, considering the Qatar sprint.

Ferrari still not living up to their name. The Maranello team collects important points but still cannot fight for anything significant. Morale within the team seems very low, and it will be crucial ahead of 2026 to restore harmony within the squad.

Sainz picks up more important points, outshining his teammate, who seems to be feeling the pressure from the Spaniard. The Anglo-Thai driver continues to make mistakes, crashing once again during qualifying.

Sauber scores points again thanks to the excellent work of Nico Hulkenberg. Bortoleto has been making many mistakes in recent races, compromising his results. The Brazilian needs to rediscover the solidity that has characterized him until now, seeking clarity and calm.

Ocon returns to the points, finishing in the top ten together with Bearman. Important points for the constructors’ championship, and Ocon finally bounces back after the blows taken in recent weeks.
Hadjar delivers another consistent points finish. Lawson, unlucky at the start with a broken wing, fails to recover. The Faenza team is slowly seeing light at the end of the tunnel after recent difficulties.

Aston Martin continues its inconsistent season. Stroll retires on the first lap, Alonso finishes just outside the points but never truly has the pace to be in the top ten. With an eye on 2026, it will be important to clarify the driver situation as well, especially given the Ferrari–Leclerc tension, with the Monegasque potentially joining the team in place of one of the two drivers.

Finally, Alpine remains once again anonymous, though slightly closer to the pack compared to previous races.

Author: Gabriele Bovio

JULIA ANGELARD READY TO CONQUER THE EMIRATES

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  • The athletes competing in the Champions of the Future Academy series have two decisive rounds left – both in the United Arab Emirates.
  • In just a few days, on November 24-26, 2025, Julia Angelard will take part in the first of them, and the arena of competition will be the track in the Al Ain desert.
  • Just one week later, the entire COTFA grid will head to Al Forsan for the season finale, concluding the 2025 karting season.

International karting competition is entering its final phase. With the conclusion of the WSK Final Cup, the final two rounds of the Champions of the Future Academy are on the horizon. This time, the drivers competing in this series will travel beyond Europe to the United Arab Emirates, competing week after week for the title of fastest driver, each using identical karts and engines. Julia Angelard is also among the 36-person field in the OK-N Junior category.

Test yourself in another part of the world
Given the increasing expansion of karting into the Middle East, participating in the final two rounds of the Champions of the Future Academy is an excellent opportunity to explore the karting facilities in the United Arab Emirates. Especially since they are also included in the series’ 2026 calendar. As Julia Angelard emphasizes, a new track is always an opportunity to gain even more experience, and having equal karts and engines for all competitors allows everyone to compete at a relatively equal level in the new arena.

The first opportunity to test your skills is just a few days away – November 24-26, 2025, at the Al Ain circuit. Just a week later, December 1-3, 2025, the final round of the Champions of the Future Academy will take place. This time, the competition will move to the nearby Al Forsan circuit, which hosted the first round of the COTFA UAE series a few weeks ago.

Julia Angelard: It’s time to finish this season on a high note
“I have the final two rounds of the 2025 season ahead of me. It’s time to finish this season on a high note and prepare solidly for next year’s competition. The tracks in the Emirates are a new direction for karting competition, and I’m glad that in just a few days I’ll have the chance to discover them and see if they become my favorite. I hope to experience fast driving, successful overtaking maneuvers, and fighting for the best possible positions. Especially since we all have the same equipment in the Champions of the Future Academy, and I know that my advantage is excellent pace,” admits Julia Angelard.

Race weekend schedule at the Al Ain circuit in the OK-N Junior category
Monday, November 24, 2025
06:50 – Run in (15 minutes)
09:10 – Free Practice 1 (12 minutes)
10:40 – Free Practice 2 (12 minutes)
12:40 – Free Practice 3 (12 minutes)
14:10 – Free Practice 4 (12 minutes)

Tuesday, November 25, 2025
06:00 – Non Qualifying Practice (10 minutes)
07:05 – Time Qualifying (6 minutes)
08:20 – Heat 1 (9 laps)
10:00 – Heat 2 (9 laps)
12:00 – Final (15 laps)

Wednesday, November 26, 2025
06:00 – Non Qualifying Practice (10 minutes)
07:05 – Time Qualifying (6 minutes)
08:20 – Heat 1 (9 laps)
10:00 – Heat 2 (9 laps)
12:00 – Final (15 laps)

QUONDAMCARLO BACK ON THE PODIUM, BITTER SEASON FINALE FOR OLERT AND BALDASSARRI

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Another intense motorsport weekend has come to an end for our young drivers, who were engaged in three different competitions. Manuel, Thomas, and Mio faced the final rounds of their respective seasons with fighting spirit. Between podiums, brilliant performances, unlucky weekends, and weather-affected challenges, here’s how our young talents performed on track.

Mio Olert – FIA World Cup Arrive & Drive, Malaysia
FINAL B: P7
FINAL: DNQ
A demanding weekend for Mio Olert in Malaysia, where adverse weather conditions made things difficult for the young Swedish driver. Despite the challenges, Mio showed determination and speed, climbing several positions during the heats, though it wasn’t enough to reach the Final A. In Final B, however, he showcased his competitive character, fighting from the first to the last lap and finishing inside the top ten.
This event marks the end of Mio’s karting season, and he can now focus on preparing for 2026, when he will make his debut in Formula 4 single-seaters. It’s an important step, and he has already proven he has the right mindset and dedication for it.
Despite the difficulties of the last weekend, Mio can be more than satisfied with his season: a year full of growth, experience, and results that confirm his potential. The adventure continues, and the foundations for a great future are all there.

Manuel Quondamcarlo – XGT4 Italy, Misano (Italy)
RACE 1: P5 / P2
RACE 2: P5 / P2
The final round of XGT4 Italy for Manuel Quondamcarlo took place at Misano: a brilliant championship finale for the 2007-born driver. Manuel and his team claimed two excellent second places in class, and P5 overall, once again confirming their strength.
This race officially wraps up Manuel’s season—one marked by constant growth. At every event he managed to take a step forward, showing maturity, determination, and an impressive ability to improve. Today’s double podium is yet another proof of his strength and his desire to keep progressing.
A positive ending that brings momentum and motivation for the future: Manuel has shown both talent and a winning mentality.

Thomas Baldassarri – Mini Challenge Italy, Misano (Italy)
RACE 1: DNF
RACE 2: DNS
Season finale also for Thomas, competing in Misano in the Mini Challenge Italy. The young driver had started the weekend on the right foot: great feeling in free practice and a brilliant P2 in qualifying, proof of competitiva pace and excellent work with the team.
In Race 1, however, an accident while avoiding another driver forced him to retire early. Unfortunately, the car sustained irreparable damage, making it impossible for Thomas to take part in Race 2.
His season thus ends prematurely, but it remains full of extremely positive aspects. Considering the strong start to the weekend, the potential for a great finale was clear, but this does not diminish the value of what he built throughout the year: many podiums, clear progression, and growing sporting maturity.
An unlucky finale does not erase a brilliant season: Thomas has shown talent, speed, and determination. This season is just another important step in his path of growth. We continue to look ahead with confidence and positivity.

Author: Gabriele Bovio

MILLA SJÖSTRAND : RELENTLESS BY NATURE

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From karting in Sweden to chasing her Formula dream, meet one of motorsport’s most determined young women.

At just seventeen, Milla Sjöstrand is already redefining what it means to be young, talented, and ambitious in motorsport. The Swedish racing driver has built a reputation for her sharp focus, calm determination, and the ability to deliver results under pressure , qualities that have carried her from her first laps in karting to the highly competitive world of Formula 4.

Her story began at the age of seven.

“I tried a two-seater go-kart with my mom on a family holiday when I was four, and I was hooked,” she recalls . “When I was finally old enough to try a proper racing kart at age seven, I told my dad: This is what I want to do.”

That spark of passion quickly turned into a career marked by consistency and performance. With multiple wins and podiums, and as a three-time finalist of the FIA Girls on Track: Rising Stars program, Milla has proven she belongs among the most promising talents of her generation.

The Reality Behind the Dream
But behind the victories, there’s the constant challenge that defines so many young drivers: funding.

“The main challenge is definitely the funding required to compete at high levels,” she admits. “It requires constant effort off the track to find partners. I overcome it by always performing my best, being professional, and focusing only on the speed and results I can deliver.”

This relentless mindset also guides how she balances school, training, and racing.

“It’s tough,” she says. “You have to make sacrifices and prioritize. I work hard to keep my grades up while maintaining a rigorous training and racing schedule.”

For Milla, every detail counts. The physical and mental demands of racing extend far beyond the cockpit.
“People often think it’s just driving,” she explains. “But it’s incredibly demanding : physically, mentally, and technically. It takes intense fitness, split-second decision- making, and deep knowledge of the car.”

And when she looks at the future of women in motorsport, her outlook is full of optimism:

A Relentless Spirit
When asked what she loves most about being a driver, her eyes light up.

“I love the adrenaline, the speed, and pushing myself to the limit,” she says. “But I also love inspiring younger girls to get into the sport.”

Milla’s racing philosophy can be captured in a single word: relentless.

“You have to be determined, focused, and willing to work harder than everyone else,” she insists. “That’s what makes a difference.”

Her preparation before each race is as disciplined as her mindset.

“I focus on staying calm and minimizing mistakes,” she explains. “The key is trusting the work you’ve done before you even get to the track.”

When pressure builds, she channels it into performance.

“I turn the pressure into motivation,” she says. “I remind myself that I’m here to compete and be the best, regardless of who’s watching.”

The Meaning of Girl Power in the Paddock
To Milla, girl power isn’t just about visibility, it’s about unity.

“It means women supporting each other, working together to achieve our goals, and proving that we belong in any competitive environment in the sport.”

Her admiration for other women in racing, highlights how representation creates momentum.

“Seeing a talented driver like Maya succeed through the FIA Girls on Track program and climb the single-seater ranks is a great motivator for me.”

She believes that visibility is the most powerful way to bring more girls into motorsport.

“Girls need to see successful female role models in the sport to realize it’s an option for them,” she says.

That’s exactly why Milla supports initiatives like F1 Academy, which she sees as a gateway for a new generation of women on the grid.

“I see a positive evolution with more opportunities, better support, and increasing visibility,” she says. “Soon, it will be less of a talking point and more of a norm to see women competing at the top level.”

The Dream That Drives Her Forward
Beyond the trophies and training sessions, one dream continues to guide her: Formula 1.

“My ultimate dream in motorsport is to become a Formula 1 champion,” she says confidently. “But I take everything step by step, year by year , working to get closer to it.”

Every lap, every test, and every challenge adds another layer to the story of a young woman determined to make her mark. Her favorite racing memory , a flawless win in OK Junior, from pole to final — is a glimpse of what’s to come.

Supported by her father, who’s been by her side since her first kart, Milla continues to prove that success in motorsport isn’t just about talent , it’s about perseverance, humility, and belief.

“Don’t give up,” she says to every young girl dreaming of racing. “Ignore the doubts, work incredibly hard, and remember that passion is your biggest strength. You belong in this sport as much as anyone else.”

Author: Clara for Girl Power in the Paddock