Photo: Formula Motorsport Ltd
Gabriele Mini will remain on the Formula 2 grid for a second full season in 2026 after securing a seat with MP Motorsport.
The Italian narrowly finished as runner-up in FIA Formula 3 last year behind compatriot Leonardo Fornaroli, and then impressed on his F2 debut with Prema in Baku, scoring a podium in his debut sprint race.
His first full year in the series, also with Prema, started solidly with points in the first five races and a second place in the Monaco sprint race. He went on to add a further sprint race podium at Spa and finish third in the season-ending feature race in Abu Dhabi, ending the year 13th in the standings.
“I’m very excited to be able to join MP Motorsport for my second full season in FIA Formula 2,” said Mini. “Their drivers have been strong rivals all throughout my career in single-seaters, and definitely in F2 as well, so it’s good to be switching to their side for next year.
“I know it’s a Dutch team, but teaming up with MP is some sort of homecoming as well, as their engineering team is led by three highly regarded Italians who have won several titles in Formula 2 and know all about winning.
“I can’t wait to get to work with them and the rest of the team, and head out to Melbourne fully prepared for our first race together.”
After a highly successful karting career, Mini was Italian Formula 4 champion in his first season of car racing in 2020, then concluded a two-year stint in Formula Regional with second in the European championship in 2022.
Guided by Nicolas Todt’s All Road Management, Mini has been part of the junior programme of the Alpine Formula 1 team for the past three years but it is uncertain as to whether this relationship will continue into the future.
“It’s wonderful news that Gabriele will be part of our FIA Formula 2 line-up in 2026,” said Sander Dorsman, MP Motorsport team principal.
“He was a champion in his first season in F4 and a title contender in FREC and F3, so his natural talent is up there with the best. With Gabriele on board, now with a full year’s experience of F2 behind his belt, we aim to consistently challenge for wins in 2026.”
Mini will be team-mate to long-time MP driver Oliver Goethe next year.