MINARDI MANAGEMENT AND THE GOAL OF SHAPING THE CHAMPIONS OF THE FUTURE

Motorsport represents a highly competitive context, not only for the drivers on the track but also for the professionals involved in the selection and development of future talents. Among the most important companies in this sector stands out Minardi Management, founded and directed by Giovanni Minardi, which for over twenty years has been dedicated to the growth and promotion of young drivers, guiding them on their path to the top categories of motorsport.

Minardi’s legacy in the racing world is universally recognized, and Giovanni has been able to transform this experience into a working method aimed at identifying and enhancing talent, transmitting the fundamental values of sport and developing transversal skills that are increasingly in demand in contemporary motorsport. Discipline, commitment and adaptability are the key principles of the pilot training followed by his agency.

In an era characterized by increasing globalization and a high level of competitiveness, Minardi Management does not limit itself to the identification of young promises but implements a complete training course, taking care of both the technical and sporting aspects, as well as those related to image management and communication. For 2025, our network has started a collaboration with Minardi Management, joining forces to ensure greater visibility for emerging talents and tell their path to professionalism through a detailed analysis of their challenges and achievements.

We had the pleasure of interviewing Giovanni Minardi, who offered us an in-depth analysis of his approach to talent management in motorsport and the daily work he does with his drivers.

The name Minardi represents a piece of Italian motorsport history. How is this legacy reflected in the management of your agency and in the relationship with young talents?
“I didn’t make history, I just took part in it and I tried to learn as much as I could from this great experience that was Formula 1. I’ve seen champions of the calibre of Fernando Alonso grow up and this helps me to understand more quickly the character and speed skills of each guy we follow. Our goal is to minimize mistakes and make the most of everyone’s talent.”

What are the key values you try to convey to the drivers under your management? Is natural talent more important or the ability to adapt to challenges?
“The fundamental values are education and a spirit of sacrifice. To get to the top you need both. Talent is important but without the ability to adapt it is not enough. The true champion is the one who knows how to find the right balance between these two qualities.”

In an increasingly globalized world of motorsport, how do you balance the enhancement of young Italians with the opening up to international talent?
“In Italy we still have very good drivers but the problem is that this sport has become too expensive. Abroad there are emerging countries with great economic resources, and this makes it more difficult for our young people to compete on equal terms. But as a talent, we have nothing to envy to anyone.”

What is the first aspect you notice in a young driver? What makes you think “this guy has what we’re seeking”?
“It is not easy to answer this question. These are difficult feelings to describe and I think that each of us has different ones. What I notice in drivers is the ease they have in doing the right things based on the experience they have. I look at how long it takes them to find the correct pace, the precision in driving and the ability to adapt quickly to the race conditions.”

How important are soft skills such as communication and charisma in the development of a young driver today?
“Nowadays it is very important to know how to communicate. Today, both car manufacturers and sponsors are looking at the character; therefore, in addition to knowing how to communicate, he must also have charisma to attract fans to himself. Today social platforms are a fundamental point for a driver’s career but I’m sorry about that.”

How do you work to train not only fast drivers but also complete professionals capable of dealing with media and commercial pressures?
“We work closely with them to make them understand how important it is to know how to communicate and use social platforms. We get them used to interviews after competitions, participate in television broadcasts and are followed by videomakers to help them feel comfortable in front of the cameras. That way, when they get on big stages, they’re ready to deal with these kinds of situations.”

With the rise of simracing, can virtual be a steppingstone to real motorsport?
“Simracing has become incredibly realistic and can be a great workout. Some drivers have already made the leap from virtual to reality successfully. The problem is that today you need high investments and budgets to continue your career in real races. The only real possibility comes from the Formula 1 academies or manufacturers, who are starting to integrate simdrivers into their programs.”

In a motorsport where costs are growing exponentially, what is the role of Minardi Management in supporting young people against these barriers?
“Unfortunately, it is true that prices continue to rise year after year, but what Minardi Management tries to do for its clients is to use its knowledge in the world of motorsport, after more than 20 years of being there, to reduce it as much as possible.”

Are preparatory categories such as F4 and Formula Regional optimally structured to prepare young people for Formula 1?
“Unfortunately, not. Today in karting and F4 budget prevails, not talent. It would be useful to limit the tests and create more accessible championships to allow drivers to emerge thanks to merit and not just economic availability.”

How difficult is it to keep young drivers focused on a long-term career?
“Young people who consciously choose the sport are able to maintain their focus on a long-term career. From an early age, they work on concentration on the track with experts in the field, developing a future-oriented mindset. Not everyone succeeds but this applies to every sporting discipline. Often seeing peers land in Formula 1 at eighteen, they may doubt their chances but professionalism is not limited to Formula 1. There are many other categories that offer career opportunities and you have to work consistently to achieve your goal.”

Have you ever identified a talent who, despite their potential, failed to achieve success? If so, what do you think was missing?
“Yes, unfortunately it happens. One of the most significant cases is Davide Rigon. I worked with him for ten years, from Formula Azzurra to GP2, winning almost everything. However, when he could have clinched the GP2 title and made the decisive leap, a serious injury in Istanbul compromised his season and his prospects in Formula 1. Although he was already in the Ferrari Driver Academy, the doors of FORMULA 1 have closed. He continued to win in the minor formulas but it was not enough. I would have liked to take him to IndyCar but he hoped until the end to stay in the Ferrari lap. In the end, he had to settle for a career in covered wheels. If I had to identify what was missing, I would say bad luck and perhaps greater foresight.”

If you had to imagine Minardi Management in ten years, what goals would you like to have achieved?
“I would like to bring as many drivers as possible to become professionals. And maybe, why not, in Formula 1 or even world champions.”

Author: Francesco Svelto