Red Bull Junior Team Welcomes New Talents: Chiara Bättig and Mattia Colnaghi Join the Path to F1
The Red Bull Junior Team has added two new promising drivers, Chiara Bättig and Mattia Colnaghi, to its ranks. Bättig, a Swiss driver, will make the leap from karting to Formula 4 (F4) in 2026, while Colnaghi, an Italian-Argentinian, is set to progress from Eurocup-3 to the FIA Formula 3 (F3) series.
Bättig’s inclusion in the team follows a standout performance at the Red Bull Driver Search in Portugal. The 15-year-old impressed on her first outing in single-seater cars during the three-day event, where young drivers from around the world were tested both on and off the track in Formula cars.
“My ultimate goal is to reach Formula One and become World Champion,” Bättig stated. “Next year, I’m focused on racing in F4, and I’m confident in my abilities. I hope to inspire young female karters to pursue the same journey I am on.”
Dr. Helmut Marko, Head of the Red Bull Junior Driver Programme, praised Bättig’s performance: “It was Chiara’s first time in a Formula car after karting, and she showed great skill. Her success in karting and the speed she displayed in the Formula car suggests a very promising season ahead.”
Meanwhile, Colnaghi has already made an impact in motorsport, winning six races in the Spanish F4 Championship in 2024 to claim the title in his rookie season. The 17-year-old is also leading the Eurocup-3 standings with three rounds remaining.
“Being selected as a Red Bull Junior Driver gives me the opportunity and the pathway to achieve my dream of becoming a Formula One World Champion with Red Bull,” Colnaghi said.
Dr. Marko also expressed high expectations for Colnaghi: “Mattia is leading the Eurocup-3 championship and will move to F3. As always, we aim for our drivers to be frontrunners and, if possible, win the championship.”
Since its inception in 2001, the Red Bull Junior Team has been dedicated to nurturing the next generation of motorsport talent. With 13 drivers currently on the team, five of whom race in F2 and F3 alongside Formula One, the program has been instrumental in the careers of 22 F1 drivers, including current Red Bull stars Max Verstappen, Yuki Tsunoda, Liam Lawson, and Isack Hadjar.
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