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From Silverstone to Mid-Ohio, via the Hungaroring and Vallelunga, the latest race weekend marked a pivotal moment in the season, with breakthrough performances, maiden victories and increasingly intense championship battles as the campaigns reached their midpoint.


An action-packed weekend unfolded across Europe and North America as F1 ACADEMY, the Formula Regional European Championship, GB3, E4 and the USF Pro Championships took centre stage at some of the most demanding circuits on the calendar. From Silverstone and the Hungaroring to Vallelunga and Mid-Ohio, junior single-seater racing delivered another thrilling chapter, featuring standout debuts, breakthrough victories and fiercely contested championship fights.

With every championship now entering its crucial mid-season phase, each session carried greater significance in the battle for the titles, as established frontrunners strengthened their positions while new contenders emerged to reshape the competitive landscape.



F1 ACADEMY


The Silverstone round delivered one of the most exciting weekends of the 2026 F1 ACADEMY season, producing new championship storylines and a Wild Card driver who immediately made history on her debut.

Qualifying belonged to Chiara Bättig (Hitech), who stunned the paddock by securing a sensational pole position in her first appearance. The Swiss driver became both the first Wild Card ever to claim pole and the youngest driver in F1 ACADEMY history to achieve the feat. It was a performance built on steady improvement throughout the session, capped by a lap that narrowly edged out the competition.

In the Reverse Grid Race, Emma Felbermayr (Rodin Motorsport) converted pole position into a composed lights-to-flag victory, controlling the race from start to finish and strengthening her championship challenge. Nina Gademan (MP Motorsport) and Ella Lloyd (Rodin Motorsport) completed the podium after an intense opening phase.

The Feature Race saw Alisha Palmowski (Campos Racing) return to the top step of the podium with an outstanding home victory, further extending her championship lead. After making the perfect start, the Red Bull-supported driver managed the race with confidence all the way to the chequered flag. Bättig confirmed her remarkable debut by finishing second, securing the first-ever podium for a Wild Card entry in the history of the series, while Felbermayr completed another impressive weekend in third.

The British round reshapes the championship picture, with Palmowski strengthening her position at the top while a new contender has emerged as a genuine force in the fight for the title. The next round will take place at Zandvoort on 21–23 August.


Drivers' Standings

1. Alisha Palmowski – 108 points

2. Emma Felbermayr – 78 points

3. Nina Gademan – 50 points



FREC


The Formula Regional European Championship leaves the Hungaroring with a completely reshaped championship battle. Rashid Al Dhaheri was the standout performer of the weekend, turning a second-place finish in Race 1 and victory in Race 2 into the championship lead. The R-ace GP driver now sits 21 points clear of Kean Nakamura-Berta (Prema), sending a strong message in the title fight.

The Hungarian weekend belonged to R-ace GP, who celebrated Yuki Sano's first-ever Formula Regional European Championship victory in Race 1 before Al Dhaheri completed a perfect weekend for the French squad by winning Race 2. The double triumph once again highlighted the team's impressive record at the Hungaroring while extending its advantage in the Teams' Championship. Emanuele Olivieri (R-ace GP) also continued his strong run of form by finishing second in Race 2, remaining firmly among the leading contenders heading into the second half of the season.

It was a more difficult weekend for Sebastian Wheldon. Arriving in Hungary as championship leader, the MP Motorsport driver leaves the circuit in third place after a weekend that interrupted the momentum he had built during the opening rounds, setting the stage for an even closer title battle. The championship resumes at Paul Ricard on 17–19 July.


Drivers' Standings


1. Rashid Al Dhaheri – 151 points

2. Kean Nakamura-Berta – 130 points

3. Sebastian Wheldon – 121 points



GB3


The third round of the GB3 Championship at the Hungaroring strengthened Nikita Bedrin's position at the top of the standings. The VRD Racing driver capped off a consistent weekend with victory in Race 2 and second place in Race 1, increasing his tally to 222 points and extending his advantage over Maxim Rehm (Rodin Motorsport) in the championship.

The weekend also produced two new winners. Deagen Fairclough (Hitech) claimed his first victory of the season in Race 1 after converting his strong qualifying pace into a race-winning performance, while Flynn Jackes (Elite Motorsport) celebrated his maiden GB3 victory in the final race of the weekend, making the most of the reverse-grid format. Three races produced three different winners, further underlining the depth and competitiveness of this year's championship.

Behind the championship leader, the fight for the top positions continues to intensify. Lucas Fluxá (Xcel Motorsport) moved up to third in the standings, with an increasingly competitive chasing pack keeping the title battle wide open. The next round takes place this weekend at the Red Bull Ring.


Drivers' Standings

1. Nikita Bedrin – 222 points

2. Maxim Rehm – 154 points

3. Lucas Fluxá – 144 points



USF


The Mid-Ohio weekend marked a pivotal moment for all three USF categories, delivering intense racing and results that reshuffled the standings across the board. Between breakthrough victories, consistent performances and dramatic twists, USF Juniors, USF2000 and USF Pro 2000 produced a highly competitive round that proved crucial in the middle phase of the season, with the leading title contenders closing the gaps at the top of their respective championships.



USF JUNIORS


Edward Kennedy was the standout performer of the USF Juniors weekend at Mid-Ohio, claiming victory in both races and achieving the biggest result of the event by becoming the youngest race winner in the history of the category. It was a flawless weekend for the VRD Racing driver, who controlled both races with impressive pace and converted every opportunity into maximum points.

Karol Pasiewicz (Olivia Racing) successfully defended his championship lead with two points-scoring finishes, allowing him to remain at the top of the standings despite a demanding weekend in which his advantage over the chasing pack was reduced, though it remains significant. The Polish driver continues to manage the pressure as the championship enters an increasingly competitive stage.

Dean Hoogendoorn also impressed by securing his first podium finish in USF Juniors, confirming his rapid adaptation to the series and strengthening his position among the front runners. Zanella Racing remains at the top of the teams' standings, while VRD Racing stays firmly in contention thanks to Kennedy's double victory. The next round takes place at Elkhart Lake this weekend.


Drivers' Championship

1. Karol Pasiewicz – 232 points

2. Max Mokarem – 181 points

3. Iván Machado Pérez – 167 points



USF2000


The USF2000 weekend at Mid-Ohio opened with a race full of action that saw Eddie Beswick return to Victory Lane. The Pabst Racing driver made the most of every opportunity to secure the win in Race 1, boosting his championship challenge with a valuable haul of points.

Race 2 belonged to Anthony Martella. Starting from pole position, the Exclusive Autosport driver controlled proceedings from lights to flag, claiming his third victory of the season and further establishing himself as one of the benchmark drivers in the championship.

Saturday morning had already delivered a milestone for Ryan Giannetta (VRD Racing), who secured his maiden USF2000 pole position before converting it into a second-place finish and his first podium in the series, highlighting his steady progress throughout the season.

Sebastián Garzón (DEForce Racing) retained the championship lead despite a challenging weekend, thanks to a podium finish in Race 2 that allowed him to stay at the top of the standings as the title fight intensifies. Brad Majman also collected valuable points with a fourth-place finish in Race 2, keeping himself firmly in championship contention. The next round will be held at Elkhart Lake this weekend.


Drivers' Championship

1. Sebastián Garzón – 265 points

2. Brad Majman – 246 points

3. Eddie Beswick – 208 points



USF PRO 2000


The Mid-Ohio weekend reshaped the USF Pro 2000 championship, with three action-packed races producing a new balance at the top of the standings after a series of crucial results in the title fight.

Leonardo Escorpioni emerged as the biggest winner in terms of points, delivering a consistent and commanding performance throughout the weekend to collect the maximum available score and move into the championship lead. The Turn 3 Motorsport driver excelled in every key moment, demonstrating outstanding race pace and composure under pressure.

Jack Jeffers (Exclusive Autosport) remained firmly in the title battle with another strong weekend, consistently fighting at the front and securing the results needed to stay within touching distance of the championship lead. Andrés Cárdenas (JHDD) continued his impressive form with another important podium finish, while G3 Argyros (Pabst Racing) combined strong pace with a few unfortunate moments but remained among the leading contenders.

Frankie Mossman (VRD Racing) and Michael Costello were regular fixtures at the front throughout the weekend, joining the battle for podium positions on multiple occasions and highlighting the competitiveness of the leading group. Thomas Schrage (TJ Speed Motorsport) once again showcased his speed during the opening stages of the races, consistently running among the frontrunners.

By the end of the weekend, the championship battle had tightened considerably, with Escorpioni emerging as the new leader and the fight for the title remaining completely open. The next round will take place at Elkhart Lake this weekend.


Drivers' Championship

1. Leonardo Escorpioni – 228 points

2. Jack Jeffers – 226 points

3. G3 Argyros – 177 points



E4


The opening round of the 2026 E4 season at Vallelunga delivered an exciting weekend featuring several standout performances, with consistency ultimately rewarding Luka Sammalisto (US Racing) and the impressive progress shown by Kenzo Craigie (R-ace GP).

The Finnish driver built his championship lead through two victories and remarkable consistency, leaving the opening event firmly at the top of the standings and establishing himself as the benchmark of the first round. Craigie, meanwhile, celebrated his maiden victory in the category, immediately placing himself among the leading contenders in both the overall and rookie classifications.

Behind them, Niccolò Maccagnani (Prema), Oleksandr Savinkov (US Racing) and Noah Killion (US Racing) were regular protagonists at the front, battling throughout the weekend for podium positions and demonstrating the depth of competition within the field.

The opening event confirmed an exceptionally competitive championship, with a closely matched grid that promises an exciting season from the very first rounds. The next event will take place at Le Castellet from 17 to 19 July.


Drivers' Championship

1. Luka Sammalisto – 82 points

2. Kenzo Craigie – 56 points

3. Oleksander Bondarev – 52 points



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Newsroom

Events, updates and latest news from the Tatuus world.

News
The new Tatuus APT-28 unveiled, set to feature in the USF Pro 2000 starting in 2028
The new Tatuus APT-28 unveiled, set to feature in the USF Pro 2000 starting in 2028
USF Pro Championships and Tatuus announce next-generation single-seater for USF Pro 2000

USF Pro Championships Presented by Continental Tire today unveiled renderings of the new chassis that will make its competition debut in 2028 for the top level of its renowned driver development ladder, USF Pro 2000. The APT-28 will begin prototype testing later this year in Italy before moving stateside.
The Tatuus APT-28 replaces the current Tatuus IP-22 , which has served as a vital step in the careers of many rising stars of the sport including USF Pro 2000 champions Louis Foster, Myles Rowe, Lochie Hughes and Max Garcia since being introduced in 2022.
The one-piece carbon monocoque APT-28 features the latest FIA-enhanced impact and intrusion resistance with integrated full-length side anti-intrusion panels. The chassis is slightly larger than its predecessor and will feature Continental Tire-shod 15-inch wheels.
It will be powered by a Honda K20 C1 2.0-liter turbocharged engine developed by Elite Engines Inc. producing 320 to 360 horsepower , enhanced with a push-to-pass feature , providing competitors with a 45-85 increase in horsepower over the current engine package.
A full list of specifications can be found here .

The APT-28 is available as a fully complete car or minus dampers, allowing teams to seamlessly transfer over their existing inventory to save on costs.
Based on today's exchange rate and excluding tariffs, the complete car is priced at $206,900 USD. Removing the dampers reduces the price to $198,900 USD. Orders for the highly anticipated APT-28 will open on October 1, 2026 with vehicle delivery priority determined by deposit sequence. The first shipment is targeted for delivery on September 1, 2027 and the second on October 15, 2027.
The Tatuus APT-28 is expected to make its debut at the annual USF Pro Fall Combine at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway in 2027 with a series’ oval test to follow.
“It is a pleasure once again to work with our partners at Tatuus on a new car design,” said Dan Andersen, Owner and CEO of Andersen Promotions. “The Tatuus APT-28 will be an incredible race car with the latest FIA safety designs and with Honda turbo power and a push-to-pass feature to further train our drivers to move up the ladder to a career in INDY NXT and the NTT INDYCAR SERIES. “Our racing should become even more competitive, and we can’t wait to see this beauty perform on tracks soon. While our initial testing will take place in Italy, we will look forward to an official unveiling at one of the opening races next season.” 

“The journey alongside Andersen Promotions is enriched with a new and wonderful chapter,” said Giovanni Delfino, CEO of Tatuus and Korus Group. “The USF Pro Championships, and USF Pro 2000 in particular, represent a fundamental step in the development of an ever-growing number of drivers. The methodology developed over time by the organization ensures a training environment of the highest quality, and for Tatuus it is both a mission and an honor to contribute with a car that represents the ideal technical platform. In the United States, the passion for motorsport can be experienced in its purest form, and we are confident that this new car will go on to write remarkable chapters on iconic circuits such as Indianapolis, St. Petersburg and Road America.” “The bridge that Tatuus and Andersen Promotions have built since 2017 connects Italy and the United States through a shared passion for motorsport,” said Gianfranco De Bellis, President of Tatuus and the Korus Group. “Mutual respect, strong personal ties and a consistent ability to collaborate for the good of motorsport are the defining traits of this partnership, which today is enriched by a new chapter. We look forward to seeing this single-seater on track soon, and we are confident it will provide the ideal preparation for drivers as they progress toward the highest levels of American and global motorsport.” [...]
News
Tatuus Summer Heats Up with an Unmissable Racing Weekend
Tatuus Summer Heats Up with an Unmissable Racing Weekend
The next generation of motorsport takes centre stage as rising stars face pivotal battles and another exciting chapter of the season unfolds.
A new action-packed race weekend is about to get underway across Europe and North America. From the iconic Silverstone Circuit to the Hungaroring, via Vallelunga and the Road to Indy championships, the calendar features a series of key events that could shape the second half of the season. With landmark debuts, season-opening rounds and increasingly competitive championship battles, drivers will be fighting for valuable points as the title contenders begin to emerge.

F1 Academy
F1 Academy is set to make history this weekend with its first-ever visit to Silverstone for Round 3 of the 2026 season. The British circuit is one of the most demanding venues on the calendar, combining high-speed corners with rapid changes of direction that reward precision and confidence. While several drivers already know the track through their experience in British championships, the entire field has also benefited from valuable mileage during the spring in-season test. Familiarity with the circuit could prove decisive in the battle at the front. Much of the attention will be on Alisha Palmowski . The British driver arrives at her home event on the back of a dominant performance in Montréal, where she claimed two victories and strengthened her championship lead. Chasing her is Rodin Motorsport's Emma Felbermayr , who will be looking to reduce the gap before the season enters its crucial second half. In the Teams' Championship, Campos Racing will aim to extend the advantage it has built over its rivals. Silverstone also represents a key opportunity for Ella Lloyd . Tipped as one of the leading title contenders before the season began, the Rodin Motorsport driver has yet to unlock her full potential. Racing on a circuit she knows extremely well could provide the perfect opportunity to reignite her campaign. There will also be plenty of interest surrounding wildcard entrant Chiara Bättig, who is set to make her F1 Academy debut after impressing behind the wheel of the T-421 throughout the 2025 and 2026 seasons.
Schedule Friday • Qualifying – 18:00 Saturday • Race 1 – 18:05 Sunday • Race 2 – 10:00 All sessions will be broadcast by F1 Academy's official broadcast partners.

FREC
The Formula Regional European Championship heads to the Hungaroring for the fifth of eight rounds, marking the start of the second half of the 2026 season following the Monza event. The technical Hungarian circuit provides another demanding test in what has already proven to be one of the most competitive campaigns in recent years. Seven different winners have emerged from the opening ten races, while fewer than 50 points separate the top five drivers in the standings, setting the stage for another closely contested weekend where every point could prove crucial in the title fight. Sebastian Wheldon arrives in Hungary as championship leader after reclaiming the top spot thanks to his two podium finishes at Monza, adding to the victories he secured earlier this season at Zandvoort. Close behind are Kean Nakamura-Berta , who has already claimed four pole positions and two race wins, and Rashid Al Dhaheri , whose consistency has delivered two victories and points in nine of the opening ten races. Emanuele Olivieri will also be one to watch after taking his maiden victory in the championship and retaining the lead in the Rookie standings, while the Hungaroring weekend will also mark the series debut of Australian driver Noah Lisle with CL Motorsport.
Schedule Saturday • Qualifying 1 – 11:35 • Race 1 – 18:20 Sunday • Qualifying 2 – 08:30 • Race 2 – 15:55 Both races will be streamed live on the Formula Regional European Championship's official YouTube channel .

GB3
The GB3 Championship also heads to the Hungaroring this weekend, sharing the bill with the Formula Regional European Championship at one of the most technical and demanding circuits of the season. The Hungarian round comes at a crucial stage of the campaign and could provide important momentum in the title fight, with Nikita Bedrin looking to defend the advantage he built following an outstanding weekend at Spa-Francorchamps. It was at Spa that the VRD Racing driver claimed his third victory of the season, extending his lead over closest rival Maxim Rehm to 27 points. The Belgian weekend also made history thanks to Abbi Pulling , who became the first woman ever to win a GB3 Championship race. Martin Molnar, Deagen Fairclough and Patricio Gonzalez will also be among the drivers to watch as the battle at the front continues to intensify.
Schedule Saturday • Qualifying 1 – 09:00 • Qualifying 2 – 09:20 • Race 1 – 13:30 Sunday • Race 2 – 11:10 • Race 3 – 18:10 All sessions will be streamed live on the MSV TV YouTube channel .

USF Pro Championships
All three levels of the USF Pro Championships return to action this weekend at Mid-Ohio , sharing the stage with the NTT INDYCAR SERIES during one of the most prestigious events of the season, held over the Fourth of July weekend. For the first time in 2026, USF Juniors, USF2000 and USF Pro 2000 will compete on the same event schedule, making this a pivotal weekend in each championship battle.
USF Juniors
The USF Juniors championship heads into the weekend with an incredibly close points battle. Four different drivers have claimed victories in the opening nine races, while twelve competitors have already scored either a podium finish or the fastest lap, underlining just how competitive the season has been so far. Karol Pasiewicz leads the standings for Olivia Racing thanks to his consistency and his dominant triple victory in Canada. Chasing him is the Zanella Racing trio of Olivier Mrak, Max Mokarem and Victor Couto , who remain separated by only a handful of points. Mrak sits second despite not yet taking a race win, Mokarem has already celebrated two victories, while Couto is still searching for his maiden success. Cole Medeiros, Bex Cranston and Casper Nissen have also impressed with consistently strong performances, while rookies Edward Kennedy and Dean Hoogendoorn made an immediate impact on their series debut in the previous round. Schedule Friday • Qualifying – 10:30 • Race 1 – 13:00 Saturday • Race 2 – 08:00

USF2000
With more than half of the season completed, USF2000 enters one of its most important weekends with the championship battle still wide open. Sebastian Garzon remains at the top of the standings thanks to an impressive run of consistency, combining three victories with a string of podium finishes, although his advantage has narrowed following the most recent round. The biggest challenge now comes from the Pabst Racing duo, who dominated at Road America. Brad Majman and Eddie Beswick each claimed a race victory and together secured five podium finishes, allowing Majman to reduce the gap to 30 points while Beswick climbed to third in the standings. Evan Cooley , winner of the oval race at Indianapolis Raceway Park, and Anthony Martella , a two-time race winner despite an unlucky campaign, also remain firmly in contention. Attention will also be on the championship's rising stars. Joao Vergara, Liam Loiacono and especially Oliver Wheldon have all showcased impressive speed throughout the season. The British rookie has stood out since his debut, collecting three pole positions, two podiums and another top-three finish at Road America, while also impressing during testing at the circuit.
Schedule Friday • Qualifying – 11:20 • Race 1 – 16:45 Saturday • Race 2 – 16:20

USF Pro 2000
USF Pro 2000 reaches the halfway point of the season with the championship still wide open and several drivers firmly in contention. Jack Jeffers leads the standings after making an outstanding step up to the category following his 2025 USF2000 title. The Exclusive Autosport driver has already claimed two victories and carries a 20-point advantage into the weekend, establishing himself as the benchmark during the opening phase of the season. Behind him, however, the fight is becoming increasingly intense. G3 Argyros' double victory in the previous round has reignited the Pabst Racing driver's title hopes, while Leonardo Escorpioni, Michael Costello, Frankie Mossman and Andres Cardenas all remain in the hunt in a season defined by remarkable competitiveness. Escorpioni celebrated victory on his series debut, Costello claimed his maiden career win, while Mossman and Cardenas continue their pursuit of a first victory after several strong results. The weekend also presents an important opportunity for Thomas Schrage , who has claimed pole position in each of his last three appearances at this circuit, adding two podium finishes along the way. His familiarity with the track could allow him to challenge for the leading positions once again.
Schedule Friday • Qualifying – 12:40 Saturday • Race 1 – 11:40 • Race 2 – 17:15 Sunday • Race 3 – 08:00 All USF Pro Championships sessions will be streamed live on the championship's official YouTube channel .

E4 Championship
The 2026 E4 Championship season gets underway at Vallelunga with the opening round of the fourth edition of the series promoted by ACI Sport and WSK Promotion. The championship retains the format introduced in 2023, featuring a compact three-round calendar where every race plays a crucial role in the fight for the title. Once again, the Tatuus T-421 will form the backbone of the championship, with 36 drivers from 25 different nations and ten teams set to compete in the opening event, highlighting the increasingly international profile of the series. Among the leading contenders are Prema Racing and US Racing , both fielding seven-car entries. Prema's line-up includes Niccolò Maccagnani, Christian Costoya and Oleksandr Bondarev, all members of Formula 1 junior programmes, while US Racing will rely on Italian F4 Championship leader Luka Sammalisto and Noah Killion , fresh from his maiden Italian F4 victory. R-ace GP also arrives with a strong five-car line-up featuring Mercedes Junior Team drivers Andy Consani and Kenzo Craigie. The championship's roll of honour reflects the strength of the category, with Ugo Ugochukwu, Akshay Bohra and Kean Nakamura-Berta claiming the first three titles. In 2025, Nakamura-Berta became the first driver to win both the E4 Championship and the Italian F4 Championship in the same season.
Schedule Saturday • Qualifying 1 – 09:40 • Qualifying 2 – 10:10 • Race 1 – 14:40 Sunday • Race 2 – 10:00 • Race 3 – 17:00 All races will be streamed live on the championship's official YouTube channe l.

[...]
Stories
Where Talent Belongs: Four F1 Academy Stories Powered by Tatuus
Where Talent Belongs: Four F1 Academy Stories Powered by Tatuus
Since its launch in 2023, F1 Academy has sent a strong signal to the entire motorsport community, playing a key role in accelerating the push towards greater inclusivity both inside and beyond the racetrack. Now entering its fourth season, the championship brings together 18 drivers competing at some of the most iconic Formula 1 venues on the calendar, supported by all ten Formula 1 teams as well as several globally recognized brands. At the heart of the series is the Tatuus T-421 F1A , developed exclusively for the championship and powered by the ATM Abarth 1.4-litre turbo engine. For Tatuus and Autotecnica Motori, both part of the Korus Group , being involved in F1 Academy means contributing to a shared vision: creating opportunities, supporting the development of emerging talent, and helping make motorsport increasingly accessible to new generations of drivers and future champions. To explore what competing in F1 Academy truly means, and to understand the role women are playing in shaping the future of the sport, Tatuus spoke with four drivers currently racing in the 2026 season: Alisha Palmowski (Red Bull Racing, Campos Racing), Esmee Kosterman (LEGO, MP Motorsport), Emma Felbermayr (Audi, Rodin Motorsport) and Rachel Robertson (Puma, Hitech) . Their stories reflect different backgrounds, personalities and paths into motorsport, but they also reveal a common thread: the belief that their journey extends beyond competition itself. Through their performances, determination and visibility, they are helping inspire a new generation of young women to see motorsport as a place where they can belong, compete, grow and leave their mark.


1. When you reflect on your role as a driver competing on one of motorsport’s biggest stages, what is it that gives you the greatest sense of pride in what you are doing today? Alisha - Being a role model gives me a huge sense of pride. Being able to inspire young girls whilst also focusing on developing myself further as a driver and progressing my own career makes me very proud to do what I do. Rachel - What gives me the greatest sense of pride is knowing how unlikely this journey has been. I started racing much later than most drivers and to now be competing in F1 Academy alongside some of the best upcoming female drivers in the world is something I’m incredibly proud of. It shows what can happen when you commit to something completely and refuse to put limits on what you can achieve. Esmee - I'm really proud of what we're doing for the next generation. When I started racing, there weren't many female role models in motorsport that I could look up to. Now I have the opportunity to help inspire young girls and show them that this path is possible

2. Every time you get into the car, is there a feeling or a moment you are searching for on track? What would you describe that in your own words? Alisha - Every time I’m out on track, I’m searching for an almost subconscious rhythm where I feel I can drive the car completely naturally using gut instinct rather than being in my head. That’s where I feel the most confident and able to unlock the most performance. Rachel - The feeling I’m always searching for is that moment when everything just clicks. When you’re not really thinking anymore, you’re just reacting. The car feels like an extension of you, and every input feels natural. It’s difficult to describe, but it’s almost like time slows down and everything becomes really clear. Those are the moments every driver chases because that’s when you’re operating at your best. Esmee - It's hard to describe, but it's that feeling when everything comes together and you're completely in the moment. Nothing else is on your mind. Adrenaline, speed, and the enjoyment of driving; it all just feels right. That's the feeling I'm always chasing when I get in the car. 3. Within the context of F1 Academy, what is it about this environment that allows you to fully express yourself as a driver and perform at your best? Emma - For me, F1 Academy is the perfect place to grow as a driver. Everyone here is pushing for the same goal, so the level is really high, and that motivates me to give my best every single day. At the same time, I feel like I can be myself and show who I am, both on and off track. It’s an environment where I feel challenged, supported, and able to keep improving. Rachel - F1 Academy pushes you in every area. The level of competition is high, the standards are professional, and every detail matters. I enjoy being in an environment where you’re challenged every day because it forces you to keep improving. It’s also a platform that gives female drivers the opportunity to show what they can do on a global stage, and I feel very privileged to be part of that. Esmee - F1 Academy has given me a really important opportunity, both on and off track. It gives female drivers a platform to develop, compete at a high level and grow their careers. Being part of that environment pushes me to be better every day and gives me the confidence to express myself as a driver.
  4. Thinking back to your first experience in a Tatuus car, what do you remember most clearly about the initial feeling, feedback, and overall connection with the car? Emma - I remember being surprised by how alive the car felt. Everything happened so much faster than what I was used to, and every little input made a difference. After a few laps, I started to trust the car more and more, and that feeling of being completely connected to it was really exciting. It was one of those moments where I thought, “Okay, this is where I want to be.” Rachel - The thing that stood out most was how responsive it was. Every input had an immediate reaction. It felt more precise and more alive than anything I’d driven. Esmee - Coming from touring cars, stepping into a Tatuus for the first time was a completely different experience. Everything felt faster, more physical and more precise. I remember being amazed by the grip and the feeling of downforce. But at the same time, it felt surprisingly natural. It was one of those moments where you realise you're living a dream, and honestly, I fell in love with the car straight away.
5. What does it mean to you to be part of a generation bringing more women into the paddock, and what impact do you hope to leave on the future of motorsport? Emma - It means a lot because I know there are so many young girls watching us and dreaming about being here one day. Growing up, there weren’t always a lot of female role models in motorsport, so being able to help change that is really special. I hope we can show that racing is for everyone and make it feel more normal to see women competing at the highest levels of the sport. Rachel - It’s something I’m very proud to be part of. Motorsport is becoming more accessible and more visible for women than ever before, and that’s creating opportunities that simply didn’t exist in the past. If I can help show young girls that motorsport is a realistic path for them, then that’s really important to me. I hope my journey encourages people to be ambitious, back themselves and realise that they don’t have to follow a traditional route to succeed. Esmee - When I started racing, I was often the only girl on the grid. That's already starting to change, and programmes like F1 Academy are helping accelerate that change even more. I hope the impact we leave is that young girls grow up seeing motorsport as a place where they belong. Not because they're girls, but because they're racers.   6. To close, each driver is invited to complete the sentence: “I belong here because…” Emma - I belong here because I’ve worked for it and kept working through the tough moments. Rachel - I belong here because I’ve never let being late to the sport define how far I can go. Esmee - I belong here because I've worked very hard to be here and this has been my dream for as long as I can remember.


The stories of these four young drivers demonstrate how F1 Academy is already creating a tangible impact on the development of female talent within modern motorsport. The number of young women entering the world of racing has been growing for several years, thanks to the commitment of everyone working towards a future capable of overcoming barriers, but above all thanks to the girls themselves, who with courage, determination and talent continue to challenge themselves on F1 Academy circuits and compete against their rivals in championships around the world. A harmonious combination between people and the technical foundation provided by the cars and their engines, which every day contributes to shaping the future of motorsport.   [...]
News
“From 2017 to Today: A Remarkable Growth Journey That Makes Me Proud”
“From 2017 to Today: A Remarkable Growth Journey That Makes Me Proud”
From the launch of the Group project in 2017 to the vision for the future: President Gianfranco De Bellis shares his thoughts during Mediobanca’s “Mid Corporate and Private Equity” event.
The Chairman of Korus Group , Gianfranco De Bellis , took part today in the event “Mid Corporate and Private Equity: Twenty Years of Transformation and Growth” , organized by Mediobanca and dedicated to the relationship between Italian mid-sized companies and private equity. His interview took place during a morning session that brought together private equity professionals and senior executives leading businesses backed by private equity funds, providing an opportunity to discuss growth strategies, value creation and the role of private equity in the development of Italian companies.

From Vision to Leadership
"I am very pleased to have embarked on this journey in 2017 together with our first investment fund," the Chairman said, reflecting on the evolution of Tatuus and the Group. "When I first met with the private equity investors, the idea I put on the table was to bring together Italy's niche expertise in motorsport. Bringing those capabilities together meant creating a group able to offer a true 360-degree solution. Back in 2017, Tatuus was a small company. Today, I am proud to say that 20 of the 22 current Formula 1 drivers developed through a Tatuus car, while our Group's turnover has grown significantly. For decades, the market for single-seater racing cars below Formula 1 was largely dominated by British manufacturers. Today, however, it is a sector that speaks Italian. That is something to reflect on, and it also challenges us to keep delivering something better in order to maintain our leadership position."

Building the Group
The audience showed particular interest when the Chairman described the process of building a motorsport group. "This is a very unique industry, and we were fortunate to find private equity partners who were genuinely passionate and willing to understand the dynamics of motorsport. Our first acquisition was an engine company, Autotecnica, whose CEO, Giovanni Delfino, was the ideal person to lead the entire Group thanks to his commercial and managerial expertise. The next step was the acquisition of Breda Racing, a company we had worked with for many years. This enabled us to strengthen our business and offer customers a Group capable of meeting every specific requirement in vehicle design and manufacturing. Throughout this process, we always preserved independent and differentiated business lines, ensuring the strength of each company while supporting healthy and diversified growth. Ownership later transitioned to The Equity Club, with whom we have built an outstanding relationship and who have brought great stability to the Group. Before private equity, we were almost navigating by sight, but over time we built a strong management team capable of turning our vision into reality."

Growth Built on People
The Chairman also highlighted the importance of people and the Group's commitment to investing in young talent. "The Covid period had a major impact, but motorsport responded extraordinarily well, returning to activity very quickly and triggering a phase of significant expansion. In less than ten years, we grew from Tatuus generating €13–14 million in revenue to a Group generating €150 million, while our workforce expanded from 20 employees to more than 300. It makes me proud to know that we have many outstanding young professionals in whom we have invested significantly, and who will carry forward the story of our brands and our Group with the same passion as those who founded them."

Looking Ahead
"Today we are able to take on major projects with a level of strength and structure that we could never have imagined in the past. Our goal is always to deliver the highest quality, both in our products and in our service, anywhere in the world and at any time, always placing the customer at the center of everything we do while nurturing the long-standing relationships that have brought our products to race on circuits across the globe. That is something to reflect on, and it also drives us to keep improving in order to maintain our leadership position." [...]
News
"It is no coincidence that the world turns to Italy to find quality in motorsport."
"It is no coincidence that the world turns to Italy to find quality in motorsport."
CEO Giovanni Delfino’s remarks at the Motor Valley Fest 2026
Motorsport is experiencing a period of strong vitality. Not only because of the results that continue to bring Italy back to the center of international competitions, but also because of the strength of an entire industrial system capable of transforming research, technology, and development into a competitive advantage recognized worldwide. These are some of the topics analyzed by Giovanni Delfino (CEO of the Korus Group and Tatuus) , starting from the concept of collaboration among different but complementary excellences.

A growing movement and an increasingly widespread demand for motorsport. “What we are experiencing is a demand for motorsport that is difficult to measure, but we are helped by some significant numbers, such as the 500 T-421 units recently celebrated by Tatuus and the 300 first-generation Formula 4 cars, along with all the other categories we supply. We are talking about a healthy movement that is clearly perceptible also in karting, where at every race we see hundreds of children showing determination and a strong desire to get into karts and compete. Today our priority is to continue producing and offering products to help these young drivers grow, so that they can eventually reach the top level of hypercars, F1, and IndyCar, with the awareness that it is not an easy or inexpensive path, but one to which we dedicate ourselves every day.”

The technological and industrial challenge of junior and entry categories. “Italian mechatronics is a benchmark and a point of reference. We produce and sell cars while respecting extremely strict price caps, with safety standards that must be guaranteed to young drivers racing at a very high competitive level. The effort is significant, but so is the satisfaction in seeing these results on track.”

Motorsport as an ecosystem of industrial collaboration. “The panel is called The Future of Racing and if I were asked what it means, fully understanding the depth of this title would require endless reasoning. But then I look around and I am joined in this panel by Pirelli, Marelli, Sabelt, and Ferrari, with whom we will be rivals in WEC but always friends. Many of them also collaborate on the T-421 project, which in itself is highly representative of what the future of racing stands for. I always recall with pleasure how we are on excellent terms with Dallara, with whom we share, without overlap, a specific area of activity such as the motorsport pyramid, which today represents an almost entirely Italian market.”

The role of Italy in motorsport “There are many OEMs that choose to work alongside Italian elite companies to develop their products, and this clearly demonstrates how strong Italy’s importance in motorsport is. It is no coincidence that from all over the world people look to Italy to find quality. For us, reaching a level of collaboration such as the one with McLaren has been an important step up; working with a manufacturer of this prestige is undoubtedly a source of pride and of absolute significance.”
Panel participants The panel held in Modena at the San Paolo complex featured representatives from several national and international motorsport organizations:
Marco Palmerini (MotoGP Vehicle Development Manager, Ducati) Lara Rodini (Global Sponsorships & Activation Director, Lenovo) Philippe Tramonde (Technical Director Motorsport, Michelin) Massimiliano Ortalli (VP, Market Unit Director, Automotive, Life Science, Manufacturing, Aerospace & Defence, Capgemini) Massimiliano Marsiaj (Executive Vice President, Sabelt S.p.A.) Riccardo De Filippi (CEO Motorsport, Marelli) Dario Marrafuschi (Head of Motorsport, Pirelli) Antonello Coletta (Ferrari) Vincent Biard (Head of Maserati Corse) Franco Cevolini (CEO, CRP Group) Alessandro Tucci (Executive Director Head of House of Grand Challenges, Aspire) Luca Ciancetti (Technical Director, Podium Advanced Technologies) [...]
News
Tatuus Celebrates the 500th T-421, the World’s Most Widely Used Formula 4 Car
Tatuus Celebrates the 500th T-421, the World’s Most Widely Used Formula 4 Car
The Lainate-based manufacturer has celebrated the production and delivery of the 500th chassis of the single-seater on which Kimi Antonelli and Arvid Lindblad developed their careers.

Born in 2021, the Tatuus T-421 reached its 500th unit produced and delivered in May 2026, once again confirming its status as one of the most manufactured and successful racing single-seaters worldwide. The milestone was celebrated by the Lainate-based brand together with all its employees and the sister companies of the Korus group, which contribute daily to the T-421 project: ATM–Autotecnica Motori, Breda Racing, and Next Solution Technologies.
Today, the T-421 is the most widely used Formula 4 car in the world, competing across 16 championships spanning Europe, the Americas, Asia, and Oceania. Behind its wheel, some of the most exciting talents in contemporary motorsport have developed, including Kimi Antonelli and Arvid Lindblad , who built the first steps of their single-seater careers in the second-generation Tatuus F4 before progressing all the way to the pinnacle of Formula 1.
“The 500th T-421 is not only a major milestone for Tatuus, but also an important achievement for the entire international motorsport ecosystem,” said Giovanni Delfino, CEO of Tatuus and the Korus Group. “With the introduction of Formula 4 in 2014, the FIA created a new pathway between karting and single-seaters, enabling drivers to arrive better prepared for higher categories. This model has established itself through years of significant growth in motorsport, during which many championships were launched and expanded, now reaching grids of nearly 50 cars per round with the second generation we celebrate today. These are figures that were difficult to imagine at the beginning of this journey, but which now define the everyday reality of many of the companies within the Korus Group.”
“Throughout Tatuus’ history, many of our models have achieved widespread adoption across global championships and have demonstrated unparalleled driver development capabilities,” added Gianfranco De Bellis, President of Tatuus and the Korus group. “The T-421 is writing an important chapter in the history of our brand and, together with the first-generation car, is now approaching 800 units produced. These volumes allow us to aim toward the milestone of 1,000 F4 single-seaters, a figure previously approached by the various Formula Renault models that marked a turning point in our history and in the development path of many drivers.”
As the second generation of Formula 4 single-seaters, the T-421 succeeded the T-014, which from 2014—the year Formula 4 was introduced—through 2021 was produced in just under 300 units. It represented the ideal platform for drivers transitioning from karting to single-seaters, and helped develop talents such as Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen, Isack Hadjar, Liam Lawson, Lance Stroll, Oliver Bearman, Gabriel Bortoleto, and Franco Colapinto.
The T-421 is just one of many examples of the cooperation that makes the Korus group one of the leading global ecosystems in motorsport engineering. The companies within the Group involved in the celebration have contributed to the project from day one, within a consolidated model of synergies that each year gives rise to new cars, powertrains, and solutions for motorsport.
Specifically, ATM–Autotecnica Motori developed and supplies the Abarth-derived inline four-cylinder engine that powers the car, while Breda Racing is responsible for a large portion of the components—such as the halo and suspension arms—as well as instrumentation required for managing the cars both on track and at HQ. Next Solution Technologies provides a significant part of the car’s electronic and electromechanical systems, in addition to supplying steering wheels and rain lights.
However, the milestone of 500 cars does not represent a finishing point for Tatuus. Production of the current model will continue through 2028 , when FIA regulations foresee the introduction of the third-generation car , on which the brands of the Korus Group are already actively working.

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News
The collaboration between Tatuus and TGRNZ continues: from 2027, the T-326 will join the grid in the CT FROT.
The collaboration between Tatuus and TGRNZ continues: from 2027, the T-326 will join the grid in the CT FROT.
The new generation of Formula Regional also arrives in the Oceania racing landscape.
The Formula Regional supply landscape under Tatuus continues to expand, with Oceania set to adopt the new-generation T-326 . This move completes and strengthens the global transition to the Gen 2 car, consolidating a unified technical pathway at international level. TOYOTA GAZOO Racing New Zealand has confirmed that the Castrol Toyota FR Oceania Trophy will adopt a new second-generation Formula Regional car starting from 2027, marking a key step in the evolution of the championship and in its role within the international single-seater ladder. The series will replace its current fleet of Toyota FT-60 cars, in use since 2020, with a new package based on the Tatuus T-326 chassis. The project continues the long-standing collaboration between TGRNZ and Tatuus, confirming a shared commitment to developing drivers, performance and technology through motorsport. The new car is aligned with FIA Formula Regional Gen 2 standards and is powered by an evolution of the 2.0-litre turbocharged 8AR-FTS engine already used in the championship. The unit delivers approximately 280 horsepower, combining performance, efficiency and reliability. The overall package meets the latest targets in terms of performance, efficiency and sustainability, while keeping driver development at its core. The push-to-pass system, introduced in 2026, remains an integral part of the car, further enhancing race dynamics. Pirelli continues as the official tyre supplier in line with international Formula Regional regulations.
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Event
The First Korus Values Day Hosted at Tatuus HQ
The First Korus Values Day Hosted at Tatuus HQ
For the first time, representatives from across the Korus companies came together for a day dedicated to the Group’s shared values.
A day of networking and shared culture marked the first true moment of connection and interaction among employees from all Korus companies . The Korus Values Day took place on Tuesday, March 3, at the Tatuus HQ.
More than 60 employees attended, representing Tatuus, ATM, Breda Racing, YCOM, Next Solution Technologies, Birelart, Kart Republic and IAME . The event offered an opportunity to connect , exchange perspectives and engage in a series of activities opened by an introductory speech from Korus CEO Giovanni Delfino . In his address, Delfino reflected on the origins and development of the Group , while highlighting the deeper meaning of its core values , Passion , Team Spirit and Excellence , which make “Korus companies a tangible demonstration of how strong and influential Italy remains within the global motorsport landscape . ”
Among the distinctive characteristics of the Group, the CEO underlined its customer-centric approach:“A shared trait across all our companies, a true added value and winning factor, reflected in our practical ability to solve problems with openness and a spirit of service, both toward our end customers and toward our colleagues .” He also emphasised the Group’s “unique capability to create projects from scratch, transforming a blank sheet of paper into a finished product through coordinated, collective efforts across multiple companies .”
Another key pillar of the Korus culture is its focus on employee well-being :
“We place great importance on ensuring that every talent can thrive in the best possible environment and with the best tools, while also nurturing the values and personal relationships outside professional life that contribute to happiness and positively influence our approach to work. ”
Throughout the day, employees from the eight companies took part in workshops and discussion sessions alongside Group management, exploring the practical meaning of Korus’ three core values and reflecting on how they permeate daily operations across different business areas and roles, all equally represented during the event.
The Tatuus HQ showroom provided the ideal setting for a business lunch, with tables arranged among the Group’s cars and products. The focus then shifted to karting, a sector that, from 2025 onward, uniquely characterises the Korus Group. An in-depth session explored the distinctive features of the karting world and the “Korus Kart ” companies, before the day concluded with a special hands-on experience aboard Birel karts.
The first edition of the Korus Values Day once again demonstrated the strong team spirit that defines the Korus Group , as well as the uniqueness of eight elite Italian motorsport companies united by a shared vision and passion, a commitment that takes them to racetracks around the world every single day .

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