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Gabriele Minì Builds F2 Title Bid, Eyes Alpine Opportunity
Gabriele Minì's strong start to the 2026 Formula 2 season, placing him second in the standings, has led to increased simulator work and potential testing opportunities with Alpine.
By Michael de Vries - 2026-08-12 12:50:55.900 - 2 min read
Gabriele Minì finds himself firmly in contention for the 2026 Formula 2 title, sitting second in the championship standings after nine rounds. The MP Motorsport driver currently trails leader Nikola Tsolov by 20 points, marking a significant step up in performance during his second full season in the category, a year he acknowledges carries considerable pressure to perform.
The foundation of Minì's challenge has been remarkable consistency. He has secured points in 16 of the 18 races contested so far, amassing two victories and a grid-leading nine podium finishes. While not always possessing the outright fastest car, the 21-year-old Italian credits his approach to maximising every opportunity on track, which he believes has been key to building his points tally and keeping him in the championship hunt.
His move to MP Motorsport for 2026 provided a fresh start after a challenging rookie campaign in 2025, where he finished 13th overall with three podiums. Minì expressed confidence in the Dutch outfit's strong track record in Formula 2, having consistently placed within the top five in the Teams' Standings in recent years. This new environment, coupled with the desire to demonstrate his capabilities following his prior season, introduced a mix of excitement and renewed pressure.
Minì's current form has also garnered positive attention from the Alpine Academy, of which he is a member. Conversations with the Formula 1 team indicate their satisfaction with his performances, leading to increased involvement in their F1 simulator programme. The Italian driver also hinted at the possibility of a testing opportunity with Alpine, understanding that a strong showing in Formula 2 is the most direct path to an F1 shot, a goal he has been working towards throughout his racing career.