In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, Emmilio Valentino Del Grosso reflected on the personal dimensions of his motorsport journey, exploring how identity, heritage, and ambition intersect in shaping his career.
While his on-track performance remains central to his development, Del Grosso’s perspective extends well beyond results. Representing both Italy and Venezuela, he carries a deep sense of responsibility—not only to succeed as an individual driver but also to inspire others and contribute to the growth of motorsport in regions where opportunities are often limited. His reflections reveal a driver motivated not just by personal ambition, but by the desire to create a broader impact that extends beyond himself.
By embracing both his Italian and Venezuelan roots, he shows that identity is not just a background detail but a guiding force that shapes how he views his career, his responsibilities, and the legacy he hopes to leave.
Representing Italy and Venezuela: Del Grosso on identity and connection
Del Grosso embraces his dual heritage as a defining part of who he is, yet his connection to Venezuela resonates with particular intensity and purpose. While representing two nations might seem symbolic to some, for Del Grosso it actively shapes his identity on and off the track.
Venezuela’s motorsport history, though limited in resources, has produced notable drivers and grassroots initiatives, such as national karting championships organised by the Federación Venezolana de Karting, which introduce young talent to the sport.
“It means everything to me. My father is Italian and my mother is from Venezuela. So both are important for me, but I feel a very strong connection to Venezuela.”
This connection intertwines deeply with his professional ambitions. Del Grosso recognises that carrying the Venezuelan flag internationally carries both symbolic and practical weight, influencing perception, opportunity, and the broader narrative of motorsport representation for a region historically constrained by accessibility.
“I would honestly love to represent Venezuela at the highest level possible and contribute to the development of motorsport there, and in South America. I want to leave a positive impact. And that’s really my main goal.”
For him, representing a nation extends beyond pride; it becomes a platform for meaningful change and inspiration. His approach reflects a mindset that sees heritage as responsibility—a chance to create visibility for young competitors who might otherwise feel excluded from motorsport’s top tiers, and to ensure the next generation from South America can pursue their dreams with confidence.
Inspiration and responsibility
Del Grosso draws further motivation from the legacy of Venezuelan racing success, particularly former Formula 1 driver Pastor Maldonado, the most successful Venezuelan racer in history. Maldonado’s 2012 Spanish Grand Prix victory remains a defining moment for Venezuelan motorsport, demonstrating that talent from the region can reach the pinnacle of the sport.
“I love Pastor Maldonado, his racing career and seeing it, and this Venezuelan side of me, I just want to get it out there, you know. It’s a very unique opportunity and I want to maximise it, you know, make a statement with it, that South American drivers, they can also do it. It’s very important for me to get it out there that I’m representing Venezuela.”
For Del Grosso, Maldonado’s career represents more than statistics—it illustrates what is possible despite barriers, symbolising national pride and the reality that drivers from regions with fewer resources can compete internationally.
Expanding access: Del Grosso on his vision for Venezuelan motorsport
Looking ahead, Del Grosso’s ambitions extend beyond his own career. He wants to make motorsport more accessible in Venezuela, where structural and economic challenges have historically limited participation, despite grassroots initiatives.
The country already hosts organised karting initiatives, including national championships and development platforms that provide foundational experience for aspiring drivers. Yet accessibility remains a significant barrier.
“I would love people to try it out. As I know, there’s already, like, a championship there, but it’s not really big, because it’s also that motorsport there is very, especially with, with the things going on lately, it’s very inaccessible, and I would love to make it more accessible.”
By increasing exposure and participation, he believes Venezuelan motorsport can grow organically. For Del Grosso, creating pathways for young drivers is not just about sport—it’s about empowering a generation to dream bigger, giving them the tools, visibility, and confidence to pursue their ambitions internationally.
Inspiring the next generation
Ultimately, Del Grosso hopes that his journey can spark the same inspiration in others that he once experienced. He recognises the transformative power of visibility, storytelling, and personal example in shaping aspirations.
“I have this dream of F1, and if I can share this with my country, I just know that there will be kids that will also get this itch, you know, like I got with Drive to Survive. And I really want motorsport to be more accessible to them, and I hope that the current situation there gets better soon so that it can be.”
His vision ties together personal ambition with a broader purpose, demonstrating that his goals extend beyond individual achievement. By helping to cultivate opportunities for young Venezuelan drivers, he seeks to leave a lasting mark that combines performance, identity, and social impact.
Purpose beyond the track
Emmilio Valentino Del Grosso’s reflections highlight a driver whose ambitions extend far beyond individual success. While he continues to pursue his own path in motorsport, he remains deeply connected to his heritage and committed to creating meaningful impact.
By representing Venezuela on the international stage and advocating for greater accessibility within the sport, Del Grosso positions himself not only as a competitor but also as a potential catalyst for change. In doing so, he reinforces a broader message: talent can emerge from anywhere, given the opportunity, support, and visibility to thrive. His journey exemplifies the intersection of personal ambition, national pride, and social responsibility—proving that motorsport can be a vehicle for inspiration as much as it is for performance.
