Exclusive: Costa Rican racing driver Evan Michelini is making his mark

Meet Costa Rican racing driver Evan Michelini

In the world of motorsport—where precision meets passion, and courage must outpace doubt—17-year-old Costa Rican racing driver Evan Michelini is charting a course that’s as inspiring as it is unprecedented. Representing Costa Rica on one of racing’s biggest stages, Michelini isn’t just chasing a dream. He’s proving that it doesn’t matter where you come from—what matters is where you’re going, and how relentlessly you pursue it.

From Genoa to Santa Teresa: The origins of a Costa Rican racing driver

Born in Genoa, Italy, but raised in the sun-soaked surf town of Santa Teresa de Cóbano, Costa Rica, he has long identified as “Tico de corazón.” At age two, he left behind the birthplace of Ferrari and Monza, and instead grew up in a country where motorsport is still forging its future. And yet, despite the odds, Evan Michelini is now preparing for his biggest challenge yet: the 2025 Formula 4 European Championship with the elite AKM Motorsport team—founded by Marco Antonelli, father of Mercedes F1 junior Andrea Kimi Antonelli. He’ll also compete in the GT Challenge of the Americas behind the wheel of a Ferrari 458, representing Giuseppe Di Falco’s “Scuola Piloti.”

How this young racing driver from Costa Rica discovered his passion

But this milestone didn’t come easily as he told Pit Debrief in an exclusive interview.

“I’ve loved racing since I can remember. I begged my family to take me to the karts, and finally, at 14, they did. From then on, I never looked back.”

For two years, he cut his teeth in karting before moving into GT cars. While many kids his age were focused on school and social media, the Costa Rican racing driver was learning racecraft, discipline, and the art of sacrifice. His dreams evolved from a teenage pastime to a life-defining pursuit—one built on belief, not privilege.

“When I saw I had potential, I started to believe more and more. People around me believed too. That’s when it started to become real.”

The sacrifices behind a Costa Rican Motorsport dream

Evan Michelini’s determination took root not in luxurious paddocks, but on the long, winding roads between Santa Teresa and San José—a six-hour drive that he and his father made every weekend just to reach the nearest racetrack. His dad would sacrifice time from work to make it happen. That’s the kind of behind-the-scenes commitment you don’t see on race day, but it’s the fuel behind the fire.

“My family isn’t rich. They’ve made so many sacrifices because they believe in me. That’s why every moment I get in the car—I remember that. And I push harder.”

Michelini’s European Leap: A new chapter for the Costa Rican racing driver

The GT Challenge of the Americas and Formula 4 Europe won’t just be the next steps—they’re a leap into a bigger arena, where the competition is fierce and the stakes are higher. Still, his eyes are set firmly on his goals, and his mindset is clear: he knows who he is, and what he’s fighting for.

“I’ve had to start over more than once. That’s the hardest part—learning how to rise again. But each time I’ve come back stronger.”

Staying grounded: The mindset of a rising Costa Rican motorsport prospect

Through it all, he has maintained an unwavering focus. He balances training, travel, and the weight of expectation with a quiet strength and a deep-rooted humility. His rituals are personal—like the small pouch of protective items he carries in his race suit, a kind of spiritual armour that keeps him grounded amid the chaos of competition.

“I meditate before every race. That pouch—it’s with me always. It’s my reminder that I’m protected, that I’m ready.”

Proving himself on the track: A teen racing driver from Costa Rica defies the odds

Despite his young age, the 17-year-old has faced skepticism and doubt—some people struggle to believe that a teenager from a small Costa Rican town could genuinely contend on a European stage. But for him, negativity has only served as fuel.

“People might not believe in you at first. That’s okay. What matters is that you believe in yourself. That you keep going.”

Building the future of Motorsport in Costa Rica

He’s not just building a career—he’s building a movement. In a country where professional racing opportunities are limited, the Costa Rican racing driver is carving out a space where future generations might follow. He credits the new karting tracks and grassroots efforts that are slowly shaping Costa Rica’s motorsport landscape, but knows there’s more work to do.

“Support means everything. Even a comment, a message, it gives me strength when the days are hard. If we believe in each other’s dreams, anything is possible.”

A message to sponsors: Why the Costa Rican racing driver deserves backing

To potential sponsors, he offers more than results—he offers resilience. His story is one of grit, gratitude, and boundless ambition. Supporting him means backing a young talent with international potential, but also standing behind someone who understands the value of effort and loyalty.

“If you want to help someone who is truly chasing their dream—who’s giving it everything they’ve got—I think I’m that person.”

And if he could speak to the younger version of himself? Or to the Evan Michelini still ahead—the one who will one day look back from the top?

“We’re doing it. It’s hard, but it’s worth it. And we’re surrounded by the right people. We’ll make it—sooner than we think.”

Final thoughts from a fearless Costa Rican racer

In a sport where fear often rides shotgun, his relationship with it is simple.

“When I’m in the car, I’m not afraid. I trust myself. I’m in control.”

From the quiet beaches of Santa Teresa to the roaring circuits of Europe, Costa Rican racing driver Evan Michelini is racing not just for trophies, but for transformation. His story is still being written—but one thing’s for sure: the finish line is only the beginning.

What’s next for Evan Michelini, Costa Rica’s rising star in Motorsport?

You can catch his upcoming races on the official YouTube channel of the Formula 4 European Championship. He shares updates and livestream links through his Instagram Stories.