Gabriele Minì will join MP Motorsport for the 2026 F2 season, marking his second full campaign in the category as he looks to take a decisive step towards his Formula 1 ambitions.
The Italian driver made his F2 debut in 2024, stepping in for Ollie Bearman at PREMA Racing during Round 12 in Baku. Minì impressed immediately, securing his maiden F2 podium in the Sprint Race on debut.
The 2025 season marked Minì’s first full year in Formula 2, once again with PREMA. Despite flashes of strong pace, the 21-year-old finished 13th in the Drivers’ Championship, recording three podium finishes. Now, with a fresh start at MP Motorsport, Minì is aiming to convert experience into consistent results.
First taste of MP Motorsport in Abu Dhabi
Minì gained his first experience of MP Motorsport during the post-season test at Yas Marina at the end of 2025. Speaking on the opening day, the 21-year-old expressed confidence in the team’s potential, despite still familiarising himself with a new environment.
“I feel very good. We just started testing, so I am getting used to everything once again. I think the potential seems very good.”
The goal for 2026
Minì also highlighted the importance of his second F2 campaign, acknowledging that the 2026 season will be crucial if he is to progress to Formula 1. The Italian aims to maximise his performance and challenge at the front.
“Next season, it will be key if I want to achieve my dream of getting to F1. So I need to do a very good one for sure, I need to try to fight for the title and wins consistently. I know it will not be easy, but we’ve changed teams, I have one year of experience more, so we are ready for it.”
Reflecting on his 2025 campaign, Minì admitted that despite strong expectations, things did not unfold as hoped.
“That was the goal again this year, but sadly it didn’t work out. After testing we showed really good potential, and then we started having some problems, so time to reset and try again.”
First impressions of a new team
Asked about his initial impressions of MP Motorsport, Minì acknowledged that the transition will take time, with notable differences compared to his previous experiences.
“It’s completely different to what I am used to. So I have to again get used to the car, the setup and everything.”
Minì took encouragement from the team’s overall performance during testing, despite feeling that his own session did not reflect the car’s full potential. However, the form shown by his 2026 team-mate, Oliver ‘Ollie’ Goethe, who will contest a second season with the Dutch outfit, was particularly encouraging.
“The good thing is that even though we had a poor lap and overall poor session, we were still up in P4, without track limits. I am quite happy about it, also Ollie [Goethe] was really quick, so that’s good, it shows that we have good potential. It’s really early to say, but at the moment I feel very good.”
A winter of preparation
Ahead of his move to MP Motorsport, Minì plans to spend the winter break focusing on preparation rather than extensive running, prioritising simulator work and physical training ahead of the new season.
To be honest, I will be at home. I will be doing some simulator that’s for sure, training at home, everyday pretty much, not a lot of track time for me. Then we will be back again in January.”
With renewed optimism, a new team, and a year of Formula 2 experience behind him, Minì heads into the 2026 season aiming to establish himself as a genuine championship contender.
