Prema has revealed that Gabriele Mini will make his Formula 2 debut in Azerbaijan this weekend to replace Oliver Bearman, who will compete in Formula 1 with Haas.
Haas F1 has called upon Bearman’s services as Kevin Magnussen has attained 12 points on his FIA Superlicense over a rolling 12-month period to receive a race ban.
Bearman’s absence will see Mini slot in along with Andrea Kimi Antonelli, who was announced as a Mercedes F1 driver earlier this month, to represent Prema in Baku.
Mini raced with Prema in F3 this term and ended as runner-up in the championship, losing out on the title when Leonardo Fornaroli made a last-corner pass at Monza.
However, the Italian’s dismay at that decisive twist was eased as he was later excluded when the technical delegates found his car ran under minimum tyre pressures.
Mini is poised to graduate to F2 on a permanent basis in 2025, with Prema looking like the side that he will take that step with as Bearman and Antonelli ascend to F1.
“[I’m] very happy to be joining Prema Racing for the FIA Formula 2 event at Baku,” Mini expressed.
“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.”
Prema Team Principal Rene Rosin added: “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.”
Elsewhere, Trident has announced that Christian Mansell will take Roman Stanek’s place in the team across the remaining F2 rounds this term, starting this weekend.
Like Mini, Mansell also competed in F3 the past season and the Australian delivered an impressive campaign as he took five podiums to end up fifth in the standings.
“I can’t wait to make my FIA Formula 2 debut with Trident Motorsport,” said Mansell.
“I’m extremely happy to race with this Italian team on the Baku street circuit and in the next two events before the end of the season.
“It will be a fiery debut on a challenging track like the Azerbaijani one, but I must confess I’m more excited than nervous.”
Trident Team Manager Giacomo Ricci expressed: “We are extremely delighted to field Australian driver Christian Mansell in the next three rounds of the FIA Formula 2 Championship.
“I consider him one of the most talented emerging drivers we have seen this year in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, where he was in contention for the title until the final round in Monza.
“Christian is a complete driver, quick in qualifying, and extremely good at managing tyres and overtaking. Making his debut in Baku will certainly be an ambitious goal, not easy at all.
“We have carried out dedicated preparation work with him, and I am convinced that it will pay dividends, especially if there will be no interruptions in the free practice session.
“I am sure there are all the conditions to do well.”
