After a 2025 Formula 2 (F2) season that did not fully match early expectations, Gabriele Minì approaches 2026 with renewed confidence following his move to MP Motorsport. The Italian driver believes the change in environment, combined with lessons learned from last year, positions him to mount a stronger and more consistent championship challenge.
Speaking to the media, including Pit Debrief, Minì reflected on adapting to a new team, strengthening relationships with his engineers and maintaining a clear objective under Alpine’s continued backing.
Adapting to a new philosophy
Leaving a familiar environment with PREMA Racing, inevitably requires adjustment, and Minì does not downplay the shift.
“Well, it’s really different, you know, different way of work, different people in there, but still very lovely environment. And of course, those total six days of testing helped me quite a lot. To get used to [a] different set up and different also techniques and different way of driving. And as I said, the philosophy is quite different. And yeah, I mean, still, it was quite a nice change in the end. And I’m pretty confident with the team.”
The testing mileage allowed him to accelerate that adaptation process. Rather than viewing the change as a setback, he considers it a constructive step forward in his development.
Building trust with his engineer
Strong communication between driver and engineer remains central to success in F. When asked by Pit Debrief whether he felt immediate alignment with his new engineer or whether that understanding developed gradually, Minì emphasised that trust grows over time.
“Well, it’s not something that you can really have, I think, on the first seat with them in a way. I started talking with my engineer already from last year, of course, once I knew that it would change. But of course, we started getting, you know, closer and more confidence into each other and trusting each other more and more every single session. You know, he’s a really good person. He’s got a lot of experience.”
That relationship now rests on mutual belief and open dialogue.
“And so, again, even at the end of the session, we have a really good trust of each other. So whenever I say something, he trusts me and whenever he tells me something, I trust him as well. So it’s building up really well. But of course, I’m sure that we will get better each race.”
Minì expects that partnership to strengthen further as the 2026 F2 season unfolds.
Clear targets with Alpine’s support
Since joining Alpine’s programme in 2023, Minì has operated with a clear pathway in mind. He continues to work closely with the F1 team, particularly through simulator sessions, but he understands what will make the biggest statement.
“I’ve been with Alpine since 2023. Of course, we’ve been doing quite a lot of simulator together, you know, being able to be on track with them and just work together with them. And of course, I mean, I think the answer to that is pretty simple.”
“I will try and win the season in the end. If you win the championship, there is nothing better that you can do really to show them that you are able to do this, to, you know, drive for them. But of course, I think the simulator work and in case of any test, doing well will help also a lot in that case.”
For Minì, the objective remains straightforward. Deliver results, win races and fight for the championship.
Confidence in MP Motorsport
Expectations ran high at the beginning of 2025, particularly after an encouraging early pace, but the season did not fully materialise as planned. Now, Minì sees meaningful differences in how MP Motorsport approaches race weekends and preparation.
“Last year, I mean, we were expecting to be at least a title contender, especially after their first test and the first race. I didn’t know that way, but I mean, I have full confidence in the team. I’ve seen really different ways of working and different things in the approach also in terms of myself, of how I approach things, for example, in races. So it’s a very good step and I think it does make sense, to be honest.”
Encouraging testing pace has reinforced that belief.
“Of course, I have full confidence in them. The pace has been quite good. We’ve always been able to be in the top five, which is what we want, you know, top three and top five every race will be ideal to fight for championship. I mean, looking forward to Australia.”
As the 2026 F2 season approaches, Minì does not rely on bold declarations. Instead, he places his trust in preparation, communication and steady progress. If his testing form translates into consistent top three finishes, his championship ambitions may finally align with reality.
