Twenty years old, with a pure passion for motorsport and an eagerness to learn, Gilles Renmans shared with us how his journey began. From karting in Belgium to getting behind the wheel of the Ferrari 488 Challenge with Double TT Racing, his career is only just starting. The young Belgian driver recently completed his first full season in GT racing, competing in the Sprint series of the Italian Championship for all four rounds and making his Endurance series debut in the final race at Monza.
How it all started: from karting to GT racing
To explain where it all started, Renmans took us back to his roots: “My father has been involved in motorsport for over twenty years, and from the day I was born, I was at the track with him. I loved watching the cars and learning everything he had to teach me”. Then, after years of watching from the sidelines, his moment finally arrived: “One day, I went with him to Zolder for a test day. He let me drive for three laps, and I completely fell in love. That’s when I knew I wanted to start racing, so I began with karting”.
Renmans spent several years competing in local karting championships, building experience and earning the opportunity to take the big step from karts to cars. His choice? The Ferrari 488 Challenge with Double TT Racing, with which he completed the 2024 season.
“Driving a GT is a dream come true. Of course, it’s completely different from karting – the speed, the sensations – it’s an incredible experience, and I enjoy it even more. On top of that, I have the incredible opportunity to drive a Ferrari, which makes it even more special. As Enzo Ferrari himself used to say, if you ask a child to draw a car, they’ll make it red. It’s an iconic brand, and it’s truly an honor for me to race with their 488 Challenge”.
A season of learning and growing
Alongside Matteo Davenia, one of the key figures in his career, Renmans trained hard to learn the Italian circuits he would be competing on. His first season was filled with highs and lows: while his natural speed was never in doubt, he quickly learned that success in racing is about more than just being fast. Managing emotions and adapting to challenges are crucial, especially in the early stages of a career. One major advantage was the strong bond he developed with his team, Double TT Racing, led by Onofrio Veneziani: “Everything felt perfect with the team right from the start. The more we got to know each other, the more we realized we shared the same vision. That allowed us to build a real connection. Having such a strong relationship with your team is essential in this sport”.
The Italian GT Championship is one of the best platforms for drivers aiming for a professional career in GT racing. It features high-level competition, prestigious teams, and plenty of track time. Renmans competed in the Sprint championship, which consists of eight races over four rounds, with races held on both Saturday and Sunday. But at the end of October, he got his first taste of endurance racing. He raced in the 3-hour race at Monza, the final round of the Endurance series, sharing the car with Vincenzo Scarpetta.
“I raced the whole season alone, so this was my first time sharing a car. I was really curious to see how it would go. Vincenzo is a great guy, fast and competitive” Gilles told us before the race. “When you race with a teammate, you have to remember that you’re no longer just driving for yourself. You have to share opportunities, make compromises, and work together. Even the car setup was a joint decision because we both needed to feel comfortable behind the wheel. In endurance racing, anything can happen, but you have to stay calm because there’s always someone waiting in the pit to take over”.
After three intense hours at Monza, marked by safety car periods, unpredictable conditions, and constant challenges, the duo finished second in their class. This result marked Renmans’ third podium of the season, as he had also secured second place in the Sprint round at Monza just two weeks earlier and at Imola in early June – a moment he remembers fondly
“The second place at Imola is definitely my favorite motorsport memory so far. If the race hadn’t ended under the Safety Car, I might have even won it. In any case, it was my first podium, and it will always have a special place in my heart”.
Following his dad’s footsteps
A key figure in Gilles’ career is his father, Rik, who is also his biggest idol: “He has won some incredible races in his career, and he’s my role model. This year, I even had the chance to race with him in Belgium, in the championship he competes in. His teammate was sick, and he asked me to fill in – it was incredible”. He also raced alongside his father in the 24 Hours of Dubai and the 6 Hours of Abu Dhabi last January.
When asked about his favorite drivers, Renmans was quick to name two legends
“I’m a big fan of Michael Schumacher and Gilles Villeneuve. Villeneuve, in particular, had a brilliant and intelligent approach: that’s what made him so fast”.
As for the future, the Belgian has no doubts: “My goal is to become a professional driver”. In 2025, Renmans will compete in the Ferrari Challenge Europe, one of the most prestigious GT series that has launched the careers of many top drivers – including Nicklas Nielsen, now an official Ferrari driver. He will be driving the Ferrari 296 Challenge for Francorchamps Motors.
“To be a good driver, you need consistency and determination. That’s where improvement comes from, it’s what helps you grow”.
As our conversation came to an end, Renmans couldn’t hide his excitement – this was not only his first season in GT racing but also his first official interview. And judging his potential, you better keep an eye on him.
