Another name is about to appear on that list during the forthcoming ADAC Formula 4 weekend at the Nürburgring (4th – 6th August). Enzo Fittipaldi, grandson of two-time Formula 1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi, is about to make his debut in the ADAC High-Speed Academy on the circuit in the Eifel forest.
“Clearly, I’m dreaming of one day competing in Formula 1 and becoming world champion,” says Enzo, who celebrated his 16th birthday on 18th July. “I’m proud to bear this name. I come from a racing family, and I enjoy their full support. There is so much I can learn from my grandfather and from his experience. We often talk to each other, and he gives me lots of tips and advice.”
Enzo Fittipaldi is a member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and of the Prema Powerteam squad. He is competing in the Italian Formula 4 series this year and is currently second in the rookie class. He has now taken the opportunity to pit himself against the talented youngsters of ADAC Formula 4.
“The Nürburgring is a great track,” says the Brazilian. “I am looking forward to the challenge and aim to achieve some good results. There are many strong drivers in the ADAC Formula 4 starter field, and I feel sure that I’m going to learn a lot here.”
Fittipaldi has become the latest in a long list of entrants bearing a famous name to compete in one or other of the ADAC junior single-seater series. Michael Schumacher’s son Mick served two straight years in ADAC Formula 4, finishing his second season as championship runner-up and then graduating to Formula 3. Other contestants in the ADAC junior formula series include Johnny Cecotto Jnr, son of ex-Formula 1 driver and motorcycle world champion Johnny Cecotto, Harrison Newey, whose father Adrian is one of the most successful designers in Formula 1 history, and Louis Gachot, son of ex-Formula 1 driver and Le Mans winner Bertrand Gachot.
Enzo Fittipaldi, who was at Oschersleben earlier this year for the ADAC Formula 4 test days, is intent on making a big impression on his first outing. “I’d find it interesting and enjoyable to spend a whole season in German Formula 4,” says the 16-year-old, “but this year we are focusing on the Italian series with Prema.”
Prema will be bringing a total of four drivers to the Nürburgring. Lining up alongside Fittipaldi will be Juri Vips (16, Estonia), Marcus Armstrong (17, New Zealand) and Juan Manuel Correa (18, USA/Ecuador).
“The three of them are very good drivers,” says Fittipaldi Jnr. “I have been watching and analysing the previous ADAC Formula 4 races on the ADAC website. I feel ready for what lies ahead.”
ADAC F4 Press Release