Joanne Ciconte during 2026 Kyojo Cup test.
Photo Credit: Joanne Ciconte

Exclusive: From grassroots to F1 Academy: Ciconte’s journey to the global stage

Joanne Ciconte may have been the youngest driver on the 2025 F1 Academy grid, but she came a long way from where she began in regional and national competitions back home in Australia. In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, the young Australian detailed her early beginnings in karting, rapid progression through the ranks at…

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Thierry Vermeulen discusses preparation, consistency and team dynamics ahead of the 2026 DTM season with Emil Frey Racing.
Photo Credit: ADAC Motorsport | Gruppe C Photography

Exclusive: “We have high goals” — Vermeulen targets strong 2026 DTM campaign with Emil Frey Racing

As the 2026 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) season approaches, Thierry Vermeulen, now firmly established within Emil Frey Racing, finds himself in a familiar yet evolving position as he continues to build on the experience he has gathered since stepping into GT3 machinery just a few years ago. Speaking exclusively to Pit Debrief, Vermeulen offered a…

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Henry Mercier explains race mindset, Qualifying pressure, consistency, and simulator use in his approach to F4 ahead of 2026 campaign.
Photo Credit: British F4

Racing up the ladder: Henry Mercier on his motorsport journey defined by growth, mindset and momentum

Henry Mercier’s motorsport journey continues to stand out for its pace, clarity, and intent. While many drivers spend years gradually progressing through karting, Mercier compressed that development into a short but highly formative period. His motorsport journey reflects not only natural ability, but also a strong mindset and an environment that enabled Mercier to grow…

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Finn Wiebelhaus previews his rookie 2026 DTM season with HRT, focusing on teamwork, development and adapting to elite racing.
Photo Credit: Haupt Racing Team

Exclusive: “I think it’s going to be a fun season for sure” – Wiebelhaus looking ahead to 2026 DTM debut campaign with HRT

In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, Finn Wiebelhaus outlined his mindset ahead of the 2026 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) season as he prepares to step up with Haupt Racing Team (HRT). The reigning ADAC GT Masters champion now enters one of the most competitive GT championships in the world, where precision, adaptability, and consistency…

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Thiim discusses his DTM return with Aston Martin, learning from younger teammates and preparing with Comtoyou Racing.
Photo Credit: SRO/JEP

Exclusive: Thiim on youth, experience and his 2026 DTM return – “It keeps you humble”

A new chapter awaits Nicki Thiim as the Aston Martin factory driver prepares to return to the DTM grid in 2026, determined to rewrite a story that previously fell short of expectations. Thiim joins Comtoyou Racing as part of Aston Martin’s evolving DTM programme, with the manufacturer continuing to develop its GT3-based effort. The Belgian…

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Baert reflects on his development, learning from Nicki Thiim, and Comtoyou Racing’s improved structure ahead of the new DTM season
Photo Credit: ADAC Motorsport

Exclusive: Baert on Learning from Thiim, a stronger Comtoyou and why the long game matters in DTM

Nicolas Baert entered the new DTM season with a clearer structure, stronger preparation, and a rewarded sense of direction alongside new Comtoyou Racing teammate Nicki Thiim. In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief, he reflected on both his personal development and the team’s progress heading into the year. Baert highlighted the value of experience and…

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Victor Martins and Nissan Formula E Team prepares to drive in the garage during the Madrid Rookie Test of the 2026 FIA Formula E World Championship at Circuito del Jarama
Photo Credit: Formula E | Jed Leicester

Exclusive: Martins looking for a true opportunity in Formula E

The eventful race weekend in Madrid had 20 drivers take part in the Rookie Test at the Circuit del Jarama. After the test, Pit Debrief enjoyed the opportunity of conducting an exclusive interview with Victor Martins. The French driver previously competed in Formula 2 and is currently racing for Alpine in the FIA World Endurance…

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Arjun Maini highlights progress, teamwork, and challenges ahead in the 2026 DTM season with HRT Ford alongside his new teammate, Wiebelhaus.
Photo Credit: HRT Ford Racing

Exclusive: “I’m just excited to go racing again” — Arjun Maini looking ahead to 2026 DTM campaign with HRT

Arjun Maini enters the 2026 Deutsche Tourenwagen Masters (DTM) season with a clear sense of purpose and a new rookie teammate in Finn Wiebelhaus beside him, as he continues his tenure with Haupt Racing Team (HRT). As a Ford factory driver, Maini carries not only experience but also the responsibility of helping to push the…

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Shane Chandaria highlights family sacrifices and national pride, showing how support fuels his rise in F4.
Image provided by Shane Chandaria

Racing up the ladder: “It’s a huge inspiration” — How African motorsport excellence drives Shane Chandaria as he forges own path

Like many young drivers emerging from non-traditional racing nations, 2025 Indian F4 champion Shane Chandaria—the youngest in the series’ history and the first Kenyan to claim the title—has built his career through determination, adaptability, and self-reliance. However, Chandaria draws inspiration from African motorsport drivers who have carved out success on the international stage, and that…

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Van der Linde on South Africa's motorsport rise: more young drivers are making it, but hard work remains the only path to success.
Photo Credit: Red Bull Content Pool

Exclusive: Kelvin van der Linde on South Africa’s growing motorsport presence

Few drivers embody the spirit of South African motorsport quite like Kelvin van der Linde. Having begun his racing career in karting at the age of eight, he became the youngest driver to compete in a National South African Circuit event at just 14, before being crowned the country’s youngest ever National Champion at 16….

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