Written by Ellie Nicholls, Edited by Vyas Ponnuri
Christian Mansell has been promoted to Formula Two with Trident, replacing Roman Stanek for the remainder of the 2024 season. The 19-year-old Australian driver will make his Formula Two debut this weekend in Azerbaijan with the Italian team, alongside experienced teammate Richard Verschoor.
Finishing 12th in his debut Formula Three season last year with two podiums, Mansell went on to complete Formula 2 post-season testing with Trident, familiarising himself with the team and the previous Formula Two car.
However, he did not make the step up to Formula Two in 2024, instead returning to Formula Three with ART Grand Prix, where he finished an impressive fifth in the standings- five podiums and a pole position to his name. In an extremely competitive season of F3, Mansell was one of seven drivers within reach of the championship going into the final round at Monza.
“I can’t wait to make my FIA Formula Two debut with Trident Motorsport.” shared Mansell, following the announcement. “It will be a fiery debut on a challenging track like the Azerbaijani one, but I must confess I’m more excited than nervous!”
The highly technical Baku street circuit will undoubtedly add to the challenge of Mansell’s Formula Two debut. Not only will the rookie need to rapidly adapt to the new machinery, but he will have to do so on a demanding, harshly punishing and completely unfamiliar track.
Despite this added difficulty, team manager Giacomo Ricci expressed that he is confident in Mansell’s ability to do well not only this weekend but also looking ahead to the future.
“I consider him one of the most talented emerging drivers we have seen this year in the FIA Formula 3 championship,” said Ricci, speaking about the decision. “Christian is a complete driver, quick in qualifying, and extremely good at managing tyres and overtaking.”
“Making his debut in Baku will certainly be an ambitious goal, not easy at all. We have carried out dedicated preparation work with him, and I am convinced that it will pay dividends.”
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