Photo: F1 Academy
Tributes have flooded in from across motorsport for driver performance analyst and racer Luca Persiani, who has died aged 40 in a driving accident away from the race track.
The Italian raced in Formula Renault 2.0 from 2002 to 2005, making the podium in his home championship, then stepped up to International Formula Master and came fourth in the standings in his rookie season with one win and two other podiums. The next season he slipped down to 12th in the points table, and came 31st in an incomplete third campaign.
A few years later he returned to the cockpit in sportscars, winning in the European Le Mans Series’ GTC class and then relocating his racing career to the USA where he raced in IMSA and Lamborghini Super Trofeo North America.
By 2019 he was mostly busy in driver coaching through the Racing DNA company which he ran alongside 2007 Japanese F3 runner-up Roberto Streit and the karting-focused Jeison Teixeira.
Single-seater drivers he coached included 2021 Euroformula champion Cameron Das, current Euroformula leader Brad Benavides and Prema’s F1 Academy line-up last year [pictured top, Persiani far left], but there were plenty more – many through Prema and Iron Lynx connections – that received Persiani’s support.
“Luca, you were an amazing person to be around. You have helped me a lot over the past few years and I can’t be more appreciative of being able to have you in my journey. Rest easy mate,” said Formula Regional racer James Wharton in his tribute.
“Thanks for everything Luca; your personality and enthusiasm lit up every room you entered, I will always remember all the moments we had together,” Chloe Chong, who worked under Persiani in F1 Academy last year, shared.
Her 2023 team-mate Marta Garcia added: “[Luca you were] always with that energy and light you give off that few people have. All the moments we have spent that only we know will always remain a beautiful memory for me. You shone brighter than the sun. Just keep on enjoying wherever you are.”
Iron Lynx put out a statement calling Persiani “a lively and positive person who always brought joy and made the people around him feel good”, FIA Formula 3 points leader Leonardo Fornaroli said he wanted to remember Persiani “with a smile”.
One of the most extensive tributes came from FR Eurocup race-winner Ugo de Wilde, who was an Iron Lynx driver in Lamborghini Super Trofeo last year.
“Luca, my big brother. I’m lost of words…,” he said. “Life took away one of the greatest person I ever met. I will forever remember your smile, your amazing energy and your always positive mentality. To our breakfasts in the Lambo hospitality, the hours we spent analysing onboards and above all celebrating my 21st birthday together in your city, Roma.
“More than being an exceptional coach, you were and will stay a true inspiration. Your passion and professionalism will never be forgotten. Thank you for always trusting and helping me to find extra work in coaching.”