Luca Badoer is known by modern Formula 1 fans as the man who replaced Felipe Massa after his horrific accident in Hungary in 2009.
His performances were so horrific, that Ferrari decided to replace him with Giancarlo Fisichella after just two races.
But one decade before that, he had been a serviceable driver for Minardi, despite failing to score a point in his career.
Now his son is climbing through the junior ranks and has just been handed a massive opportunity to showcase his talents in 2025 and beyond.
Brando Badoer excited for drive with ‘iconic team’
Brando Badoer has joined the McLaren Driver Development programme and will embark on a season with PREMA in Formula 3 for 2025.
The 18-year-old Italian currently sits third in the FRECA standings and has taken two podiums so far this season.
Speaking about the development, he shared his excitement for what the future might hold now he has been handed this huge opportunity.
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“I am excited to join the McLaren Driver Development programme,” he said. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to join a team with such a great racing heritage and a proven record for developing talent.
“Competing in the 2025 FIA Formula 3 Championship with Prema Racing will help continue my progression and I’d like to thank the whole team at McLaren for their support.
“I can’t wait to learn from the team’s guidance and get racing in the team’s iconic colours,”
Badoer strikes gold with Formula 3 signing
Young Badoer couldn’t be heading to a much better organisation when it comes to preparing talent for the upper echelons of motorsport.
PREMA has a rich history of winning drivers who have not only won championships with them but gone on to make Formula 1 as well.
Charles Leclerc, Pierre Gasly and Oscar Piastri all come to mind immediately – enjoying sustained careers at top teams.
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They claimed the constructors’ crown by 72 points this year, and all three of their drivers finished inside the top six of the drivers’ standings.
It means that there may also be some expectations on Badoer, but he will have the resources around him to kick on and possibly challenge for the championship.