The heartbreak of losing a Formula 3 title at the final corner of the last race of the season is likely to be something that could last for a long time.
But, Gabrielle Mini is receiving an opportunity to get over the matter sooner than many would have anticipated after his racing season ended.
It will be resurrected at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, as he steps up to Formula 2 to replace Oliver Bearman for one round at PREMA Racing.
Bearman is off to race for Haas in Formula 1 after Kevin Magnussen received a one-race ban for accumulating 12 penalty points at the Italian Grand Prix.
Gabrielle Mini explains ‘very important’ decision after Formula 2 graduation
It’s a significant opportunity to prove what he can do in Formula 2 machinery, as he bids for a full-time drive in 2025.
He won’t have driven around the Azerbaijan Grand Prix circuit, but many of his competitors will be in the same boat too.
Discussing the move in a press release from PREMA, Mini revealed the importance of the weekend to himself.
READ MORE: Has Andrea Kimi Antonelli done enough to earn an F1 drive with Mercedes in his maiden F2 season?
“Very happy to be joining PREMA Racing for the FIA Formula 2 event at Baku,” he said. “We had a strong season in 2024, and we have been fighting for the title until the last corner.
“Formula 2 is the main option for 2025 so it’s also very important to join early at Baku. It’s a good opportunity for me to learn with the new car and series.”
Mini has a tough task against generational talent
Mini is going to be tasked with the challenge of competing against Mercedes protégée Andrea Kimi Antonelli across the garage in Baku.
The Italian has already secured his future with a move to Mercedes in Formula 1 for next year, and knows his way around the team now.
After a rocky start to the season, his results have gradually improved and his advice will be helpful to Mini, who needs to get off to a strong start straight away.
Thankfully, Baku plays host to the longest straight in the sport, so if he fails to qualify well, he will have a good chance of redemption in both the Sprint and Feature Races.
And with two seats available at PREMA for 2025, he stands a good chance of securing one of those spots almost immediately if he manages to score points.