At only 13 years old, Andrea Manni continues his rise towards single-seaters and joins an agency that represents notably Pierre Gasly and Isack Hadjar.
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Could another member of Charles Leclerc’s family one day reach Formula 1? His young cousin Andrea Manni is certainly starting to make a name for himself in the world of motorsport. At only 13 years old, the Monegasque has just reached another important milestone in the building of his career.
After several promising seasons in karting, Manni has joined The Grid Agency, an international company specializing in driver career management. A choice far from trivial since this organization already supports several well-known names in Formula 1, including Pierre Gasly and Isack Hadjar.
A young driver already very experienced
Andrea Manni started karting in 2020 before making his international debut two years later. Since then, Leclerc’s cousin has gradually climbed the ranks and established himself as one of the young drivers to watch in his category.
He notably participated in the OKJ and OK categories, two important steps in the development of young drivers before their move to single-seaters. Manni also secured a place in the top 10 of the WSK Super Master Series.
His statistics reflect his progress. In 79 races, the young Monegasque has already accumulated 18 trophies, 15 podiums, eight pole positions, and eight wins. A record that now allows him to consider the next step in his career.
Single-seaters now in his sights
After several years dedicated to karting, Manni is indeed preparing his transition to single-seaters. The precise details of his program for the 2027 season have not yet been revealed, but new announcements are expected in the coming weeks.
His arrival at The Grid Agency is precisely meant to help him structure this transition and prepare for the future in the long term. Jérémy Satis, a driver agent within the company, particularly highlights the consistency shown by the young driver over the seasons.
“Andrea has demonstrated, season after season, that he is capable of competing with the best drivers of his generation.”
Beyond his raw results, it is also his approach to his progression that convinced the agency to support him.
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“What stands out particularly is his consistency and the clarity with which he approaches each stage of his progression. The move to single-seaters is a demanding transition and we are here to build it with him over the long term.”
Manni does not want to rush the steps
Despite his family connection to one of the most famous drivers on the current grid, Andrea Manni seems to want to build his own path. The young driver acknowledges that he still has a lot to learn before he can consider the most prestigious categories.
He nevertheless considers that the time has come to surround himself with a structure capable of supporting him in the next stages of his journey.
“It was the right moment in my motorsport career. I still have a lot to learn.”
His long-term goal is, however, perfectly clear. Manni does not just want to reach the highest levels of motorsport thanks to his name or connections, but to prove on track that he deserves every new opportunity.
“I know exactly what I am working towards. I don’t just want to get there, I want to earn my place, race after race.”
Following in Charles Leclerc’s footsteps?
It is obviously far too early to know how far Andrea Manni will be able to go. At 13, the path from karting to Formula 1 remains immense and the transition to single-seaters will already represent a crucial first test.
His career will nevertheless be closely followed because of his connection to Charles Leclerc. The Ferrari driver also built his career through karting before quickly progressing in single-seaters to reach Formula 1.
Manni now has professional support to try to follow his own path. His program for 2027 will especially reveal more about the next step of this adventure and the speed at which Leclerc’s young cousin plans to continue his rise.
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