Brando Badoer, son of Luca, talks about the challenge of growing up with a famous surname, the past at Ferrari, his friendship-rivalry with Kimi Antonelli, and his goals to reach the top.
Class of 2006, 19 years old as of yesterday, a season just completed in Formula 3 with Prema, and a strong desire to make his mark in the world of motorsport.
Brando Badoer, son of former Formula 1 driver and Ferrari test driver Luca, began karting in 2017, finishing several championships in the top 3. In 2022 he moved to single-seaters, competing in Formula 4 UAE, ADAC Formula 4, and Italian Formula 4. In 2023 came his first podiums, before stepping up to Formula Regional in 2024, where he claimed his first victory the following year.
The same year he made his Formula 3 debut with Prema: a season that started off challenging but ended on a high note. After attending a Ferrari Driver Academy camp in 2022, it was McLaren who believed in him and signed him to their driver development program.
Brando isn’t just a racer. He values education highly, having graduated this summer despite the demanding racing calendar.
Like his friend and rival Kimi Antonelli, now a Mercedes Formula 1 driver, he’s determined to keep pushing forward.
Growing up in a motorsport family:
“It had no influence on my decision. Racing was my choice, my passion since I was a kid. At first, my parents wanted me to do something easier, but once they saw my determination, they fully supported me.” .
Pressure from the Badoer name?
“Never. I’ve never felt that pressure nor from others. I just stay focused on myself and try to write my own story.”
His idol:
“Michael Schumacher, no doubt. An incredible driver and a fantastic person.”
Balancing school and racing:
“It wasn’t easy, especially in recent years when racing commitments made it impossible to attend classes regularly. But with sacrifices, I graduated this July with a good grade. I’m proud of it—education is fundamental.” .
From Ferrari to McLaren’s junior program:
“Yes, I joined Ferrari’s summer scouting camp at Fiorano, but in 2023 McLaren picked me after F4, and I officially joined after Formula Regional. Maybe it was just destiny.” .
On Kimi Antonelli:
“We met as kids in karting. He was one of my biggest rivals back then, and that’s when a great friendship was born. . Today he’s in F1, and my goal is to get there too. He’s definitely one of the strongest drivers I’ve ever faced.” .
His Formula 3 season:
“Not easy. We struggled at first, but with hard work we became competitive in the second half. Results didn’t always reflect it, but I learned a lot, and this year will be key for the future.” .
His 2026 goals:
“To keep improving, grow as a driver, and fight at the top. I want to harvest the results of all the work put in this year.” .
Photo: Formula 3, Prema, Dutch Photo Agency
