„The best approach is to remain calm and to instill that sense of composure in the drivers” – interview with Giovanni Minardi

Mentor, advisor, manager – these three words are the easiest way to describe who Giovanni Minardi, responsible for Minardi Management, is to his protégés. But what is hidden behind these terms? Who is Giovanni and how does he perceive the racing reality? I invite you to read an interview with this interesting figure from the world of motorsport.

Introduction and background

Przemysław Garczyński: How did your journey in motorsport Begin? How strong have you been involved with the Minardi F1 Team?

Giovanni Minardi: My journey into motorsport began very early. Since 1974, the year I was born, my father started his adventure as a constructor in F2. I would say I was born into the world of single-seaters.

My full involvement with the Minardi F1 team began in the summer of 1996 when I joined as the head of the test team and later became the head of the racing team (Team Manager). However, even during my school years, starting at the age of 11, I spent every summer working for three months. Each year, I took on a different role to learn about all the sectors that make up the team—working as a tyre dealer, in the body shop, as a mechanic, and as a switchboard operator—so I could start getting to know the people involved.

PG: What about your transition to management? What motivated you to make a switch from working with the Minardi F1 Team to starting Minardi Management?

GM: The transition from the F1 team to management occurred in January 2003. The end of 2002 was particularly challenging and painful; my relationship with the team’s then-owner, Paul Stoddart from Australia, had soured. I realized it was time to embark on my own venture.

During my seven years in F1, the most rewarding aspect of my role was working closely with the drivers. I believed that leveraging this experience would be the right next step for me. Throughout my time in Formula 1, I had the opportunity to collaborate with many exceptional drivers, including Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber. Being close to them allowed me to learn about their unique needs and the nuances of their performance.

This experience equipped me with the ability to quickly discern whether a driver was truly fast, exceptionally talented, or not quite up to the task. I also gained insight into the dynamics necessary for a driver to succeed in Formula 1.

With this knowledge, I thought it would be fulfilling to help young aspiring drivers achieve their dream of reaching F1. Thus, I decided to establish a management agency dedicated to guiding and supporting these talented individuals.

Motorsport career highlights

Przemysław Garczyński: What are some of your most memorable moments or achievements during your time with the Minardi F1 Team?

Giovanni Minardi: Honestly, one of my greatest successes was witnessing a driver who debuted with us in F1 go on to win two World Championships—I’m, of course, referring to Fernando Alonso.

There have been many memorable moments throughout my career, but the ones I cherish most are tied to the exhilarating experience of getting the car on the track for the first Grand Prix of the season in Australia. After weeks and months of hard work and sleepless nights, seeing it all come together is truly unforgettable.

PG: How do you think the Minardi name has contributed to Italy’s rich racing heritage over the years?

GM: I believe that 21 years in Formula 1 is a significant achievement, and not many teams can claim such longevity. We have made substantial contributions to the Italian automotive tradition, launching numerous Italian drivers, engineers, and mechanics who continue to work today in some of the most renowned teams in the sport. In fact, if I may say so, since the Minardi F1 Team ceased to exist, we haven’t seen many new faces among technical directors and other key positions. This highlights the important role we played in nurturing talent within the industry.

Drivers under wings of Giovanni Minardi

Przemysław Garczyński: You have worked closely with Karol Basz, a talented driver from Poland. Can you share some insights about his career progression and potential?

Giovanni Minardi: I had the opportunity to work with Karol for many years, and I can confidently say that he possesses immense talent. Unfortunately, he arrived late to car racing, which prevented him from testing in Formula categories. 

However, in my opinion, he has always been one of the fastest drivers in GT racing. Sadly, car manufacturers did not recognize his potential, and they were mistaken in doing so. He raced for various car brands and achieved victories with all of them—a feat that I don’t believe many drivers can claim.

PG: Julia Angelard is another promising Polish talent under your management. What do you see as her strengths, and how do you envision her future in karting and further?

GM: Julia has incredible potential, and her strengths—speed and determination—shine through every day. She is consistently proving that she can achieve remarkable results on the track. 

Her future in karting and beyond is filled with promise. All she needs to do is stay the course, maintaining her focus and passion for excellence. With her unwavering dedication and talent, there’s no limit to what she can accomplish. I truly believe that she is destined for greatness, and I can’t wait to see where her journey takes her.

PG: There are (or were) also some of „big names” under Minardi Management’s guidance, for example Andrea Kimi Antonelli and James Egozi. Both drivers are considered rising stars, first of them would debut in a Formula 1 race next month with Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team. What qualities make them stand out, and how do you support their development towards reaching Formula 1?

GM: Both drivers, under our guidance, had the privilege of joining an F1 Academy due to their remarkable talent. Antonelli was accepted into the Mercedes Academy at a young age, and Mercedes subsequently took on the role of Kimi’s manager. In contrast, after successfully facilitating Egozi’s entry into the Red Bull Academy, we felt we had fulfilled our responsibilities and decided it was time to part ways. 

PG: What goals has Minardi Management set for its current roster of drivers over the next few years? Are there specific championships or milestones they aim to achieve?

GM: The objectives of Minardi Management have always remained steadfast and will continue to do so: our primary goal is to guide as many drivers as possible on their journey to becoming professional racers. We are dedicated to nurturing talent and providing the necessary support and resources to help these aspiring athletes realize their dreams. We understand that the path to a professional racing career is not easy, filled with challenges and competition.

However, we are committed to offering mentorship, training, and opportunities that empower drivers to develop their skills and gain valuable experience. Our passion lies in seeing these talented individuals not only reach their goals but excel in the world of motorsport. As we move forward, we will continue to adapt and innovate, ensuring that we provide the best possible support for our drivers. Together, we will strive to create a brighter future for the next generation of racers.

Support for young drivers in Giovanni Minardi eyes

Przemysław Garczyński: Staying in the support topic, how does Minardi Management provide holistic support — beyond just racing skills — to help young drivers navigate their careers effectively?

Giovanni Minardi: Minardi Management utilizes its extensive knowledge to place drivers in the most prestigious championships and renowned teams at competitive rates, ensuring they have the opportunity to compete and win. We share our expertise to help them avoid common mistakes during their training, equipping them with the tools they need to achieve their ultimate goals in motorsport. Our commitment is to support each driver every step of the way, fostering their growth and helping them realize their full potential. 

PG: How do you balance pushing drivers for results while ensuring they maintain a healthy mental state amidst intense competition?

This isn’t easy, but I believe the best approach is to remain calm and to instill that sense of composure in the drivers. It’s essential to provide them with the energy and motivation they need to succeed while ensuring they believe in themselves above all else. When they have confidence in their abilities, they are more likely to perform at their best and achieve their goals.

11. Are there instances where a driver might not reach Formula 1 but still have successful careers elsewhere? How does Minardi Management assist in these scenarios?

GM: As previously mentioned, Minardi Management is dedicated to guiding drivers on their journey to becoming professionals. While reaching Formula 1 would represent the pinnacle of that journey, there are numerous other championships where drivers can also thrive professionally, such as INDY, WEC, IMSA, and Formula E, among others. 

These series provide valuable opportunities for drivers to establish their careers, and we work diligently to assess each driver’s unique strengths and potential. Based on their individual value, we strive to direct them toward the ideal circumstances where the greatest opportunities for success can arise. Our goal is to ensure that every driver has the best possible chance to excel in their chosen path.

PG: What strategies does Minardi Management use to identify talented young drivers globally? Are there specific regions or championships that hold particular interest for scouting new talent?

GM: While some championships may be more prestigious than others, we believe there are talented drivers to be found in all levels of competition. Our approach involves going to the track to assess the market firsthand and discover emerging talent. Additionally, we receive recommendations from our network of collaborators, as well as direct inquiries from drivers seeking our guidance. In many of these cases, we organize evaluation tests to form our own assessments. This process not only allows us to gauge a driver’s abilities but also helps us understand the potential career path that may lie ahead for them. Ultimately, our goal is to identify the best opportunities for each driver based on their unique strengths and aspirations.

Giovanni Minardi on different kinds of support

Przemysław Garczyński: How important is technology (e.g., simulators) in developing young drivers today? Do these tools play a significant role within your organization’s training programs?

Giovanni Minardi: Today, technology plays a crucial role in every aspect of our lives, and motorsport is no exception. Modern simulators are becoming increasingly realistic, making them invaluable tools for learning new tracks and, in some cases, for fine-tuning car setups when using professional-grade simulators.

Almost all of my drivers utilize simulators, although the frequency of use varies based on their age and the championships they are participating in. These tools help them gain familiarity with circuits and improve their overall performance, allowing them to maximize their potential on the track.

PG: What mental preparation techniques or resources does Minardi Management offer its drivers to handle stress, pressure, or setbacks during competitions?

GM: Mental preparation is an extremely important aspect of a driver’s development. Unfortunately, not all drivers and their parents fully grasp its significance, but it is absolutely fundamental to success in motorsport. Today, drivers often begin their journey as young as eight years old in karting, where they face a high level of pressure that they may not yet know how to manage effectively.

This is why mental preparation is crucial in helping them learn to cope with stress. At Minardi Management, we collaborate with highly experienced professionals in this field, with whom we have worked for decades. While we don’t provide direct mental coaching ourselves, we always strive to support and calm the young drivers when we see them feeling nervous or anxious. After more than 20 years in the industry, I’ve developed an instinct for recognizing these situations just by observing a driver’s expression. Our goal is to ensure they develop the mental resilience necessary to thrive in the competitive world of motorsport.

PG: For many young athletes, family plays a crucial role in their early career stages. How does Minardi Management involve families in supporting their children’s racing ambitions if at all?

GM: Families are the heart of our project, as motorsport is incredibly complex and demanding. First and foremost, the financial support required to enable their children to race comes from families. Additionally, they must make numerous sacrifices, as a career in motorsport often means being away from home for many days throughout the year, disrupting the normal family life that most people enjoy.

We strive to stay close to these families, providing them with the reassurance that they can make this journey work. We keep them informed about daily developments, negotiations, and race events, ensuring they always feel involved and valued as integral members of the project. Our goal is to create a supportive environment where families can navigate the challenges of motorsport together, knowing that they are at the center of our efforts.

Sustainability initiatives within motorsports

Przemysław Garczyński: Are there any initiatives within motorsports that align with environmental goals which interest or inspire you personally?

GM: The issue of environmental sustainability is very important to me, and I am pleased to see efforts being made to make motorsport increasingly green. However, it is essential that motorsport continues to represent the pinnacle of automotive performance. We must strike a balance between pursuing eco-friendly practices and preserving the core principles of the sport.

While it is commendable to strive for greater sustainability, we must also protect the heritage and performance-driven nature of motorsport. Finding this equilibrium is crucial to ensuring that the sport evolves responsibly while still celebrating its rich history and competitive spirit.

Giovanni Minardi about impact of social media

Przemysław Garczyński: Social media platforms have dramatically changed how athletes connect with fans. Do you believe social media presence is essential for modern-day race car driving success?

Giovanni Minardi: I think calling it „essential” may be an overstatement. However, it is certainly very useful, as creating a strong media presence can significantly aid in climbing the increasingly steep competitive ladder in motorsport.

While speed is crucial for racing, if two drivers have achieved similar results, the choice will likely favor the one who excels in media engagement. Therefore, it’s important for drivers to understand from the very beginning of their careers that they need to invest time and effort in developing their media skills. This proactive approach can enhance their visibility and attractiveness to teams and sponsors alike.

PG: How do you advise your managed talents on leveraging these platforms effectively without detracting from their core focus on racing performance?

GM: This is a topic best discussed with my wife, Dorothea, as she oversees this aspect. However, I can share that we strive to make the process as non-invasive as possible. We encourage drivers to engage in focused work outside of race weekends. During race events, we concentrate on using photos and videos created by industry experts to capture the experience. This approach allows us to highlight their performance without adding unnecessary pressure during competition. 

PG: Thanks for your time, it was a big honour for me to talk with you. I’ll keep my fingers crossed for Minardi Management drivers, not only Polish representation with Julia Angelard, but also the other ones.

GM: Thank you so much for considering me for this interview. I sincerely hope I’ve answered your questions in a meaningful way. I also want to extend my gratitude on behalf of our drivers. We are all rooting for Julia, and I truly hope she achieves great success and proudly represents the colors of Poland. This journey is about passion, dedication, and dreams, and I believe she has the potential to shine brightly on the world stage.

Have you enjoyed this interview? Me too!
I will be glad, if you consider buying a virtual coffee as a „thank you” – it will be a goo fuel to o our best in the future ☕