On the eve of the decisive final round of the FRECA championship, Italian talent Matteo De Palo opens up in an exclusive interview with GPKingdom.
A rising star is emerging in Italian motorsport. Matteo De Palo, born and raised in Rome and a devoted Roma supporter, will turn 18 in just a few weeks — yet he’s already one of the brightest prospects in the country. With racing in his veins since birth, he began competing at the age of five, quickly making a name for himself in karting. In 2023, he made the jump to single-seaters and immediately impressed, claiming victory at the historic Spa-Francorchamps circuit in the Spanish Formula 4 championship.
He then moved up to Formula Regional, where this year alone he has collected four victories with Trident and will fight for the title next weekend at Monza. Already promoted by Trident to Formula 3 for 2026, he will reunite with his current rival, Freddie Slater, as a teammate. In this conversation on the eve of the Monza showdown, we take a closer look at his story, his career, and his ambitions.
How did your passion for racing begin?
“One day, when I was five, they took me to a karting track near my home. From that moment, it was love at first sight. At first, I treated it like a game, but little by little, we started taking things more seriously. By the age of seven, I was already competing in national and international races, so within a year and a half, I found myself racing at a very high level. That’s how it all started: I was never the typical kid who preferred football over everything else.” .
Who is your idol?
“I don’t have a single favorite driver, but I try to draw inspiration from all of them. If I had to name one, I’d say Ayrton Senna, mainly for his character. I’ve never been a fan of any particular team; I like watching Formula 1 through the eyes of someone who truly lives it.” .
“I’ve never been a fan of any particular team; I like watching Formula 1 through the eyes of someone who truly lives it” – Matteo De Palo
What was the biggest challenge when moving from karts to single-seaters?
“I felt comfortable with single-seaters right away, perhaps even more than with karts. Formula racing is much more complex: there are many details to consider during a track day, and everything is more professional. In karting, for example, you just brake; in a car, there are different ways to brake, different pressure points to manage depending on the corner. It’s much more technical and complicated, and adapting isn’t easy, since in karts everything is much more basic.”
You also raced in Macau: how does that event compare to the others?
“It’s one of a kind in the world; there’s nothing as challenging. I haven’t raced in Monaco yet, but all drivers say there’s no comparison. Both Macau and Monaco are street circuits, narrow and with walls very close by, but the speed at which you pass by the walls in Macau is incredible.” .
Talking about your 2025 season in Formula Regional, how would you evaluate it so far?
“It has been a very positive and redeeming year after a first season in Formula Regional that wasn’t great, but still very valuable. I’ve learned a lot, and without that initial year of experience, I wouldn’t be as prepared as I am today.”
What do you think about racing in Formula 3 next year and being teammates with Freddie Slater, your current title rival?
“It’s an exciting challenge. Racing against him will be a huge motivation to give my best.
Also read: OFFICIAL – Matteo De Palo to Race in Formula 3 with Trident in 2026! Full Details
What has been the best moment of your career so far?
“There have been many, but the most thrilling was this year at Misano, in the first race of the Formula Regional season. After a tough year, winning right away with Trident in Italy was a huge relief. I led the whole race, with no one able to catch up—it was truly special.” .
Who is the strongest driver you’ve raced against?
“In karting, I’d say Kimi Antonelli. In single-seaters, there are two. Slater, who I’m battling for the championship this year: a very strong driver with excellent results in Formula 4 and karting. And Théophile Naël, my former teammate during my first FRECA season: he’s highly underrated, but in my opinion one of the strongest I’ve ever raced against. He’ll also be in Formula 3 next year, and I’m sure he’ll be someone to beat.” .
How do you prepare for a race weekend?
“I train regularly with my coaches when I’m at home, even though I’m often traveling. Mental training is also key: I’ve worked a lot with my mental coaches, especially in my early years in Formula 4, where I managed to improve certain weaknesses thanks to them. Before each race weekend, I also spend a lot of time on the simulator with the team and continue my physical training.” .
How do you see your life as a driver, constantly traveling between circuits, compared to that of a 17-year-old with a more “normal” and sedentary lifestyle?
“Like everything, it has its ups and downs. It’s the life I chose from a young age, and I’m putting all my dedication into it. It’s not easy being away from home and the people closest to me for so long, but it’s part of the journey. In the end, I’m doing what I’ve always loved, and I’m very grateful for that. If I had to do it all over a thousand times, I would always choose to do it again.” .
“It’s not easy being away from the people closest to me for so long, but it’s part of the journey. If I had to do it all over a thousand times, I would always choose to do it again. ” – Matteo De Palo
Who is Matteo De Palo when he’s not on the track?
“Off the track, I try to spend time with the people who matter most to me. Training never stops, but when I can, I like to take a break. I can’t play too many sports due to contractual reasons, but I still try to have fun: I play padel, go to the cinema, follow football and Roma, and often go to the stadium. It helps me clear my mind.” .
Photos: Courtesy of Matteo De Palo
