Mini replaces Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman at Prema

Prema Racing has announced that Gabriele Minì will be making his first FIA Formula 2 Championship foray at the upcoming Baku Grand Prix, replacing Ferrari junior driver Oliver Bearman.

The 19-year-old Italian is joining the leading feeder series after a runner-up finish in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, and he will replace F1-bound Oliver Bearman.

Minì first joined PREMA in 2020 and experienced a winning car racing debut in the Italian Formula 4 Championship. After that, he moved up to the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine and to the FIA Formula 3 Championship.

After joining the Alpine Academy in 2023, he made his return to PREMA for the 2023 Macau Grand Prix and he was back competing full-time with the team for the 2024 FIA F3 season.

Commenting on the change to Prema's F2 driver line-up, team boss Rene Rosin noted: “We cannot wait to see Gabriele make his FIA Formula 2 debut. It’s very rewarding to see him graduate to the top junior single-seater series after making his very first steps with our team back in 2020.

"It will be a useful opportunity for both him and the team. On the other hand, we want to wish Ollie the best in his second Formula 1 start and we look forward to having him back for the final part of the year.”

Embarking on a very important milestone in his racing career, Minì added: “Very happy to be joining PREMA Racing for the FIA Formula 2 event at Baku. We had a strong season in 2024, and we have been fighting for the title until the last corner.

"Formula 2 is the main option for 2025 so it’s also very important to join early at Baku. It’s a good opportunity for me to learn with the new car and series.”