Nannini to contest 45 races in dual F2 and F3 2021 season with HWA

Matteo Nannini, the nephew of Formula 1 winner Alessandro Nannini, will compete in both Formula 2 and Formula 3 this season with HWA Racelab.

In a highly unusual move, the 17-year-old will contest dual campaigns in F1’s direct feeder championships due to their new schedules meaning each series will race on different weekends across the 2021 season.

Nannini, the 2019 UAE Formula 4 champion, finished 18th in the 2020 FIA F3 standings with 11 points to his name, taking a best result of third in the second race at Barcelona with his Jenzer Motorsport team, the day after he scored his maiden point in the series.

With three races taking places across weekends in both F2 and F3 for this year, the Italian will compete in a total of 45 races through the 2021 season.

“I’m really looking forward to such a busy season,” said Nannini. “Forty-five races in 2021 are going to be demanding, but I feel ready and determined to grow as a driver, having the opportunity to race in both FIA F2 and F3.

“It will be my first year in F2. I know it will not be easy, but I am willing to learn as much as possible.

“I am confident heading into my second season in F3 and I am sure that HWA will provide me with a competitive package to do well.”

Nannini will be joined at HWA in F2 by fellow Italian Alessio Deledda, who has spent the past two seasons driving for Campos in F3 and is yet to register a points finish.

"A new experience that I have been waiting for years,” said Deledda, who started his career on two-wheels before switching to single-seaters. “I am excited to be participating in such a competitive championship and testing my skills.

“I am sure that, together with a team rich in experience like HWA, we will be able to grow together on this journey that awaits us.

“I truly believe in HWA’s F1 Talent Factory programme and I am excited, as my double commitment in 2021 will be key to bring me one step closer to Formula 1.”

Team principal Thomas Strick added: "We have found a good mix for our team, with a young and very talented driver, together with a slightly older but equally ambitious driver.

“We have taken a conscious decision to field Matteo in both series. The advantage for the young driver is that he can be introduced more quickly to the high performance of a Formula 1 car, as the Formula 2 car comes far closer to matching this performance."