Andrea Kimi Antonelli (Prema Racing) was delighted to secure first place on Saturday in the fourth race of the ADAC Formula 4 at the Hockenheimring. The 15-year-old finished ahead of his team-mate Rafael Camara (BRA). Taylor Barnard (17/GBR) defended his third place during the final lap to record a first podium for his PHM Racing team. “I made a good start and was able to pull away a little. I then had tyre management well under control, which is absolutely crucial on this circuit. I stayed focused throughout the entire race and didn’t make any mistakes,” said Italy’s Antonelli. Two-time Formula 1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi was there to witness the first appearance of his son, Emerson Fittipaldi jr. (BRA/Van Amersfoort Racing), in the ADAC youth racing series. Luca Badoer, another former Formula 1 driver, was likewise in the stands to support his son, Brando Badoer (ITA/Van Amersfoort Racing), who was also making his debut.
The first race of the weekend, taking place as part of the 24H Series, featured 20 drivers from 14 different countries competing on the 4.574-kilometre circuit. Under a clear blue sky and in temperatures around the 20-degree mark, polesetter Antonelli made a good start and was swiftly able to build up a lead. The championship leader never looked likely to surrender first place and celebrated victory at the end of the 30-minute race. Behind the Mercedes Junior driver, Camara was put under pressure as Barnard managed to pass before the hairpin on lap one. Camara responded in the same sector on lap three and defended second place until the finish. “My start didn’t go according to plan as I was struggling with understeer in turn one. The minor issues then calmed down after that and I am delighted with second place and important points for the championship,” explained the 17-year-old.
Charlie Wurz (17/AUT/Prema Racing) and Barnard delivered a side-by-side battle on the final lap as they battled for the final remaining podium spot. “I deliberately let Camara pull away from me to conserve my tyres a bit. This strategy paid off and I am very happy with my first podium,” said Bernard at the end of the race. Wurz, son of former Formula 1 driver Alex Wurz, crossed the line in fourth place. Martinius Stenshorne (16/NOR/Van Amersfoort Racing) finished the race in fifth position, and was the second-best rookie behind Camara. Jonas Ried (17/Ehingen/PHM Racing) claimed sixth to secure his best result of the season in the ADAC academy of speed. Conrad Laursen (16/DNK/Prema Racing) and Arias Deukmedjian (17/USA/Van Amersfoort Racing) took the chequered flag behind the German driver.
Brando Badoer and Rasmus Joutsimies (19/FIN/Jenzer Motorsport) completed the top ten. This weekend saw the first appearance of 15-year-old Badoer in the ADAC youth racing series, witnessed by his father, former Formula 1 driver Luca Badoer. Emerson Fittipaldi jr. was also able to count on some special support. Two-time Formula 1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi was in Hockenheim to cheer on his 15-year-old son. Making his debut in the ADAC Formula 4, the Brazilian driver crossed the finishing line in 14th place.
The young stars of tomorrow have two races to look forward to on Sunday. The first race will start at 9:10. The reverse grid rule will be in effect, meaning that the best eight drivers will start the third race of the weekend in reverse order at 13:10. All ADAC Formula 4 races are broadcast free of charge on motorsport.tv and adac.de/motorsport.