The Spanish Formula 2 driver Pepe Martí (Campos Racing) acknowledges that he feels “very envious” of the ‘rookies’ who are having opportunities, and even seats, in Formula 1 by 2025, which is why he wants to take “a step forward” on next year, defending that he is “capable” and is “up to the task of fighting for races.”
“We are not doing as well as we expected, the truth is that we have had misfortune after misfortune. And things have not gone as expected, therefore I believe that the idea of Formula 1 for 2025 does not exist for now, obviously If an opportunity appears, I would be super happy, but the important thing right now is to focus on the last two races of this year, try to get the most out of it,” Martí said in an interview with Europa Press after an event organized by his sponsor Red Bull.
Furthermore, he feels “very envious” to see that other drivers in the category such as Franco Colapinto, Kimi Antonelli, Jack Doohan or Gabriel Bortoleto do have opportunities in the premier category. “But it depends on me, not on the rest, how far I go, so I prefer not to get involved in those issues. Obviously, there are people who have different situations than mine and have been presented with exceptional opportunities and they have done very well, a A very clear example is that of Franco, with very few errors,” he noted.
“The expectation is to win, to fight for races. It is no longer that they are Red Bull’s expectations, they are also personal, I know that I am capable of fighting for races, I have done it in the past, this year too. I know that I am up to the task.” to fight for Grand Prix, and that’s how I approach it, I don’t doubt my way of driving, I’m working super hard, trying to be a better driver, be more decisive and be able to do better in qualifications to focus better each weekend,” he added.
For this reason, the Red Bull Junior Academy driver sees 2025 as an opportunity to finish exploding in Formula 2, “make the most of the year and try to aim higher.” “You have to be careful to try to get the most out of what you have, to try to take that little step forward,” he wished.
“Hopefully in five years I’ll be in Formula 1, that’s the goal, it’s what I’m aspiring to, what I’m looking for. You have to work very hard, that’s the first thing, I think many factors have to come together to get there and more so with how difficult the competition is right now. But it is more than possible, I hope next year we have a good year, I am going to work as hard as possible to make it that way,” he reiterated about his dream of promoting to the ‘Gran Circo’. .
The 19-year-old from Sabadell is one of the great talents of Spanish motorsports, in a premature career, with a third place in the Spanish F4 Championship in 2021 and a fifth in Formula 3 last year, to move up to Formula 2, although his debut has not been the best, with eight abandonments with two races remaining, despite debuting with a double podium in the category.
Furthermore, since last year he has had the support of Red Bull, a fact that generated “excitement” in the Catalan, because “he had been looking for a long time to be a driver in the best Formula 1 Academy.” “They were moments of euphoria when it was announced. Wearing the Red Bull colors carries a responsibility that is to win, it is the world champion team, which has been the benchmark in the last five years,” he stressed.
And he did it with the help of Fernando Alonso, since he is represented by A14 Management, the Asturian’s representation agency. “It is very important for me. The figure of 400 grand prix speaks of his greatness, the caliber he has as a driver and for me, personally, he is an idol, he is a reference and having him so close and being part of his ‘management’ is a real opportunity and a dream,” he revealed.
Finally, Martí praised the level that exists in Formula 2 today, which is “higher than it seems.” “You have nothing to lose, you have to show what you are worth and the best way to do that is to go out and enjoy the experience. Fighting for victories in Formula 2 is synonymous with being competitive. The only thing you have to do is show what that you are worth it, as many are already doing, I hope that I can do it in the future,” he concluded.