The 11-year-old cousin of Formula 1 driver Charles Leclerc, Andréa Manni, is following in his family’s footsteps.
Racing is in the blood of Andréa Manni. Barely into double digits, the Monegasque young cousin of Charles and Arthur Leclerc has big aspirations – and the talent to back them up.
Racing at the WSK Open Series in La Conca, Italy, in early April, Manni nabbed a solid second place in the OKNJ division, the category reserved for kart racers aged 11 to 15.
“I was very happy and a little disappointed at the same time because everything had gone very well until the final, with P1s in all the rounds,” he told Monaco Matin. “I was a little stressed and made a few mistakes, but this result is a great satisfaction for the team, for me and all those who have supported me since the beginning.”
Manni, a CM2 student at the International School of Monaco, started karting at the tender age of five on the track in Brignoles, where he continues to practise alongside his older cousins.
Now in the international leagues, the Forza Racing driver is finding the racing challenging, but fulfilling.
Speaking to Monaco Matin about the recent race, he said, “I hesitated a little because in mini-kart (seven to 10 years old) I went very fast and I could win a lot of races. This year is a year of learning. I am one of the youngest and the level is very high. I’m gaining experience.”
Despite only having entered the OKNJ division this season, Manni already has his sights set on a future career in Formula 1 – once he completes his schooling.
“I know very well that if my studies get out of hand, there will be no more karts,” he told the Monaco newspaper. “So, I do my homework after tests or races.”
The next few months will see Manni travel to races in France, Italy, Spain, England, Slovakia and Sweden, forcing him to miss some of the school year, but he is a sensible young boy with a good head on his shoulders. It’s easy to imagine that he will succeed on the track and in the classroom.
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Photo source: Andréa Manni, Instagram