“It’s my first year of racing and there have definitely been big steps forward. We started with very little experience in racing, but now you can see the progress, especially in this last period. Both personally and as a team, we’re all satisfied.”
His development has also been shaped by the experience gained through the ACI Sport Federation programme and the Supercourse at the ACI Sport Federal School, which he won last November.
“It taught me a lot mentally, especially to always try to look at the positive side of things, even when it’s difficult to find it. You have to keep moving forward and not dwell on the negative aspects. That’s the part that helped me the most mentally.”
Orsini was able to put that lesson into practice during the Formula Winter Series, following a particularly difficult episode.
“In one race I was sixth, then I made a mistake and ended up in the gravel. I got back on track and finished 18th, and it was very bitter. But in the following race, thanks to some fundamental work by the team, we managed to finish first among the Rookies. It was probably the most emotional weekend so far. You have to keep moving forward despite the bad things that can happen.”
For Orsini, his passion for motorsport began almost by chance.
“When I was younger, we used to go rental karting just for fun.
Then the day came when we bought a go-kart, a more serious one, and we started doing a few races before eventually making it here to Formula 4.”
For now, his main objective is to continue developing.
“My goals for this year are definitely to keep moving forward, gain as much experience as possible, learn especially from my mistakes and be ready for next year, trying to aim for something more.”
Being close to the family of Marco Antonelli, Kimi’s father, also represents a particular point of reference for Orsini.
“Having the example of a father who brought his son to Formula 1 is definitely not something you see every day. But I also understand that Kimi’s path and mine are very different. I can’t say I’m following the same path as Kimi, but we definitely share the same goal.”
Away from racing, Orsini studies economics, finance and marketing, while keeping an alternative path open for the future.
“I don’t know if I can say this, but I really don’t like studying, although I have to do it. My dream is to make a living from motorsport, but you need a second option in case things don’t work out. Deep down, I’m also happy to study economics, finance and marketing, because I actually like that too.”
Sport, after all, has always been part of his life.
“I’m good at swimming. Before entering the world of karting and Formula racing, I was a competitive swimmer. I’m pretty good at football and volleyball too. Let’s say I’m very sporty.”
And when the lights come on, the adrenaline kicks in.
“It’s electrifying. I also find the fun in it. After it’s all over, you think back and say, ‘That was fun, that was adrenaline-filled’, and you get out of the car and even laugh about it — as long as things have gone well, obviously. But when you have to close the visor, you’re there, you see the green flag in the mirrors, the lights come on... it’s very, very adrenaline-filled.”
His favourite circuit? Imola.
“It’s more technical, I like the ups and downs and the speed at which you have to take the corners. One of my weaknesses is carrying a lot of speed into the corners, almost to an excessive level, and at Imola there are many corners where you can do that. So, also because of my driving style, Imola is my favourite.”