Formula 1: 5 possible new drivers amid expansion rumors

Formula 1 expansion drivers: No. 4 – Gabriele Mini

Gabriele Mini is an 18-year-old Sicilian currently driving for Hitech Pulse-Eight in both Formula 3 and the Formula Regional Middle East Championship.

As things stand now, his career progression could have him in a prime spot to make his Formula 1 debut in 2026 with his current team. Last year, he also competed for Hitech Grand Prix in the Formula Regional Asian Championship and managed to place fourth in the standings despite not competing in three of 15 races, as he won twice and added two runner-up results.

Mini, who won the 2020 Italian Formula 4 Championship with four wins and eight additional podium finishes and finished runner-up in the 2022 Formula Regional European Championship with three wins and an additional six podium finishes, currently sits in seventh place in the Formula 3 standings.

Through 15 starts in his rookie season, he has collected two wins and an additional two podium finishes. Earlier this year, it was announced that Mini had joined the Alpine Academy, illustrating a clear intention to move to Formula 1 at some point over the next few years.

This role will likely see him get some experience testing a Formula 1 car ahead of Hitech’s potential Formula 1 debut in 2026. That experience will be much needed if the youngster wants a spot at the pinnacle of motorsport.