Charles Leclerc cousin takes major step en route to F1

Charles Leclerc's cousin is plotting his own path towards F1 after signing with a global motorsport management company which already includes Isack Hadjar and Pierre Gasly on its books.

Andrea Manni, 13, has been karting since 2020 and has competed on the international stage since 2022, establishing himself as one of the most promising talents in his category. He has raced in both OKJ and OK, with a top-10 finish in the WSK Super Master Series among his results.

His record to date stands at 18 trophies, 15 podiums, eight pole positions and eight victories from 79 races.

After enjoying several strong seasons in karting, Manni now moves into a new phase of his development, with single-seater racing his next objective. Further details on his 2027 campaign are set to be announced in the coming weeks.

Discussing the signing, Jérémy Satis, driver agent at The Grid Agency, said: "Andrea has shown, season after season, that he can hold his own against the best drivers in his generation.

"What stands out is his consistency and the clarity with which he approaches every step of his progression. The move to single-seaters is a demanding transition, and we're here to build it with him, for the long run."

Manni himself is equally clear-eyed about the challenge ahead. Declaring his move to The Grid Agency as being "the right moment" in his motorsport journey, he added: "I've still got a lot to learn.

"But I know exactly what I'm working towards. I don't just want to get there; I want to earn it, race after race."