During the 2025 Formula E Rookie Test in Berlin, Gabriele Minì spoke exclusively to Pit Debrief about juggling different roles as a junior driver. The Italian opened up about his time in the Alpine Academy and his relationship with the Nissan Formula E team. Minì currently drives for Prema in his first full Formula 2 season while being backed by Alpine.
Alpine vs. Nissan: Two approaches, one learning curve for Minì
Minì has been balancing his Formula 2 campaign with valuable work alongside both Alpine and Nissan, gaining experience in two very different environments. The Italian talent explained that the two programmes approached development in contrasting ways, saying, “Both with Alpine and the simulator and also with Nissan. To be honest, I think it’s a bit of a different way of work. But I think that both work in a really good way.”
At Nissan, his role revolved around adapting to a new car and structure. “Every time I went to, it’s more like to try and understand the car, try and understand the team and how the car works.” The focus was on integration and technical understanding, rather than race support.
“Well, I’ve been having the opportunity to work with both. Both with Alpine and the simulator and also with Nissan. To be honest, I think it’s a bit of a different way of work. But I think that both work in a really good way. In the end, here at Nissan, every time I went to, it’s more like to try and understand the car, try and understand the team and how the car works.
Alpine role feels like home for Minì amid F2 challenge
Alpine, on the other hand, offered a setting that felt more natural to Minì after stepping up into Formula 2 this year. “It was more like trying to, first of all, get up to speed, understand also how everything works. But it’s a bit closer to what I’m used to in Formula 2. So, it’s a bit more natural, let’s say.” He also contributed directly during race weekends with the F1 operation, sharpening his skills in areas that connect directly to his own racing.
A promising F2 campaign
Minì’s rookie F2 season so far has already shown flashes of promise, with strong qualifying performances and points finishes that underline his speed. The steep learning curve of Formula 2 demanded consistency, and the additional workload with Alpine and Nissan added to the challenge. For Minì, the variety of roles only accelerated his growth. “It’s just different things and activities that we’ve been doing, but I like working with both. They’ve been helping me, and they’re helping me.”
The blend of F2 competition, simulator sessions and manufacturer involvement is building a foundation for the next stages of his career. He is learning not only how to race at a high level, but also how to adapt to different working cultures and expectations; A vital skill for any driver with Formula 1 aspirations.
“While when I went to Alpine, it was more like trying to, first of all, get up to speed, understand also how everything works. But it’s a bit closer to what I’m used to in Formula 2. So, it’s a bit more natural, let’s say. And then I’ve been trying to help them during race support, which has not been the case in Nissan, of course. So, it’s just different things and activities that we’ve been doing, but I like working with both. They’ve been helping me, and they’re helping me.”
Formula 2 first, F1 the goal: Minì keeps eyes on the future with Alpine
Minì made it clear that his priorities remain firmly set on his Formula 2 campaign. “Well, of course, I want to try and keep my focus on my Formula 2 campaign for now. So, let me try to show the pace and to show that we can fight at the front,” he said.
The Italian underlined that Formula 1 remained the goal. “At the moment, I want to try that and try to achieve the dream, you know, the goal in the end is to arrive in F1,” he stated. At the same time, he acknowledged the value of his growing connection with Nissan. “Of course, I also hope that I keep doing a good job with Nissan.”
“Well, of course, I want to try and keep my focus on my Formula 2 campaign for now. So, let me try to show the pace and to show that we can fight at the front. At the moment, I want to try that and try to achieve the dream, you know, the goal in the end is to arrive in F1. Of course, I also hope that I keep doing a good job with Nissan.”
Future options with Nissan open, but Minì stays locked on F2 mission together with Alpine and Prema
Minì did not rule out future possibilities with the Japanese manufacturer, but stressed that his current focus was elsewhere. “There can be opportunities in the future, but as I said, it’s something that at the moment I’m not really looking at as my first priority, let’s say.”
For Minì, the path ahead is clear: deliver results in F2, prove his speed and consistency, and keep himself on the radar for the step to Formula 1. His work with Nissan might evolve in the background, but the immediate challenge lies in showing that he can be a frontrunner in the most competitive junior category.
“There can be opportunities in the future, but as I said, it’s something that at the moment I’m not really looking at as my first priority, let’s say. I like to be here, but my main focus is on Formula 2 for now.”
