A Lamborghini Huracán GT3 in his hands, visor down, and determination in his eyes: Andrea Frassineti was crowned Italian GT Sprint champion in 2025. Together with Vincenzo Sospiri Racing, with whom he also competed in the Endurance series, the 2006-born driver collected three victories over the season, building a title fight in which he was always a key contender. We spoke with him a few days after the final round at Monza and, between memories of his first time in a kart, the emotions of winning at home, and dreams for the future, Andrea shared the story of a career already full of achievements.
Let’s start with an easy question: how did you get passionate about motorsport?
My father passed the passion on to me. He raced in rallies when he was young and only stopped when I started racing. He used to take me to the races with him, so I was practically born into this sport. Then through his connections we managed to get into karting, and from that moment I never wanted to stop.
Do you remember your first time in a kart? Were you intimidated or immediately in love with the speed?
I couldn’t wait. My father was always excited to get behind the wheel, so I wanted to try too. The first time was in a parking lot behind his dealership, with a kart and a helmet a thousand sizes too big for me. I was three and a half years old, so tiny!
You started early and moved into single-seaters very young. What changes from karting to cars, both technically and mentally?
Karting was much calmer for me, even though I raced in the FIA European and World championships. I raced mainly to have fun, without the pressure of having to perform at the top. The goal was to learn as much as possible. Moving to Formula 4 was the first step toward professionalism. You have to train more, dedicate more time, get used to situations you don’t see in karting. In F4 I raced with a private car, a trailer, and my dad, just like in karting. Competing against top-level teams like Prema was difficult. We did the most possible while spending the least possible, always trying to learn.
Then came your GT journey, where you immediately stood out. Why did you choose Lamborghini?
My manager and my investor saw something in me and supported me, believing that moving to GT racing was the best choice. I’d known Vincenzo Sospiri Racing for a long time since I live only ten kilometers from their workshop, so it was almost a natural choice. The first year in Super Trofeo – where the level is really high – went well, even if no one expected it, and step by step we made it to GT3.
This year you became Italian Sprint champion. Tell us about your season.
This year didn’t actually start well, because during the first race of the Endurance championship we retired while we were in first place. The first feeling was disappointment. But that’s when I realized what I was missing, where I needed to improve and work. It was a mix of emotions and speed that led us to win the Sprint championship, always learning more and more. Managing the race, the tires, the brakes: these are things that aren’t as crucial in single-seaters, where every lap is flat-out, but they matter a lot in GT. I learned it race after race, and that’s what allowed me to become champion.
You won at Mugello, Imola, and Monza. Which victory was the most emotional?
Imola, my home race. I had all my friends and family cheering for me, even my grandparents, so it was really special. Experiencing emotions like that is incredible, and I hope I can feel them again in the future.
Vincenzo Sospiri Racing is a prestigious team in Italian motorsport. What was it like racing with them?
Since I live so close to their headquarters, I even did my school internship there, so I already knew the mechanics and engineers. We’re like a big family. It was wonderful to share this journey with them. In Italy, Vincenzo Sospiri Racing is one of the strongest teams, so I’m really happy to have won with them.
During the season you changed teammates. What was it like working with Edoardo Liberati and Sandy Mitchell?
I was sorry not to actually win the championship with Edoardo, because we shared a great season together. I learned a lot from him and grew a lot. He has so much experience and has already won this championship multiple times. Working with Sandy Mitchell was also great. He’s from England and knows a lot about racing. We immediately got along and became great friends even though we didn’t know each other that well. From him I learned a lot about pure speed and data reading, an extra input that helped me face the rest of the season at my best.
Not just Italian GT — this year you also raced in the 24 Hours of Spa. What was it like being on the grid of such an important race?
You said it right – I only took part because unfortunately an accident on the first lap ruined the whole race! But at the same time it was a fantastic experience and I hope I can do it again next year if the chance arises. The 24h of Spa is every driver’s dream: you race against some of the best in GT, and you go from day to night, from rain to sunshine. Indescribable.
When did you realize you wanted to be a racing driver?
I don’t think I ever had other goals. Growing up in karting, I just kept going year after year. I knew right away.
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
After winning the Italian championship, I’d like to keep winning more titles and growing even more. In ten years I hope to see myself as a professional driver, paid to do what I love — to live the passion I’ve had my whole life.
Have you ever thought about Formula 1?
Formula 1 is a dream that became more abstract, especially after Formula 4. I understood how the single-seater world works — you need a huge budget, major media exposure, and strong backing.
From a young age, motorsport requires sacrifices – budget, discipline, balancing school. Was it always easy for you, or were there tough moments?
Fortunately school always tried to help me, but this sport means a lot of absences – and even socially it’s hard. You spend a lot of time away from home and it’s difficult to meet friends like a normal kid. I always tried to balance everything, making friends at school and at the track, and I managed to deal with the sacrifices fairly quickly. It helped me a lot and shaped who I am today.
Motorsport comes with a lot of pressure – how do you handle the difficult moments and stay focused during demanding race weekends?
At a weekend like the CIGT Sprint round at Monza the pressure was enormous. But I thought: I did things right all year – why would I mess up now? It’s not easy, but staying calm and managing emotions is everything. And I’d say it worked!
What would you tell little Andrea on that first day in a kart?
Never stop doing what you love, always push to your limit, and never give up!
Photos by Luca Parigi / Race Diary
