Inside the Helmet: Q&A with Riccardo Ianniello - From First Go-Kart to GT
In this special edition of "Inside the Helmet", Riccardo Ianniello, tells us about his journey: from a 5-year-old boy who dreamed of racing to the professional driver who now competes in the Italian GT Sprint 2025. A story of passion, sacrifices and victories that begins with a Go-Kart and reaches the most prestigious GT cars.
Riccardo, tell us about your first moment behind the wheel. What do you remember from that day?
I was 5 years old, and dad took me on a two-seater go-kart where I was disappointed because he was driving and not me. So when my birthday came, he took me to HolykartRoma where I started my karting driving school journey with instructor Stefano Tredicine.
At 5 years old, did you already know you wanted to become a professional driver?
Well, I was already convinced that I wanted to become a Formula 1 driver when I grew up, but at the beginning of my journey I took it as a game, as fun where I had a lot of fun going at full speed.
2019 in the USA was your first international success. What did it mean for a 12-year-old boy?
The United States was a dream that didn't seem real. I remember the plane, the excitement of racing on the other side of the world against drivers I didn't know. When I conquered my first Pole Position in Florida, I remember screaming with joy under my helmet. Not for the victory itself, but because at that moment I understood that my dream was no longer just a dream: it was becoming reality.
In 2020 you won both the Italian Championship and the Rok World Championship. How do you manage all this success at 13?
It was incredible but also difficult. At school my classmates struggled to understand why I missed lessons to go racing. Weekends were no longer free, every race had enormous pressure. But when I won the Rok World Championship... there I had the key that unlocked self-awareness, and from that day I became even more determined in my path.
2021 with the CIK FIA Academy brought you among the top 10 world young promises. What did you feel?
It was the official recognition I had always dreamed of. Representing Italy in such a prestigious international program... I remember I was very happy after the announcement, and then when I conquered the podium in Adria it was another type of emotion, I knew I could do very well over the years since I was competing with very strong drivers from all over the world.
How did you feel winning the Karting Stage and becoming "best Italian karting driver 2021"?
That victory was special because it wasn't just about pure speed, but completeness. They evaluated technique, mentality, analysis ability, relationship with mechanics. The 15,000 euro prize for the following season was important, but even more so was the message: "Italy believes in you." It was the moment when I understood that karting was just the beginning of my journey, not the finish line.
We know you're one of the few selected drivers to have taken part in the Speed Supercourse of the ACI federal school. Tell us about this experience.
It was a beautiful experience, being selected by the federation as a driver for the super course is very important for all Italian drivers, it was a week where I learned a lot also thanks to the help of all the instructors who were present, and they are tips that I will carry with me throughout my journey.
The transition from formulas to GT in 2023 must have been a huge leap. How did it happen?
It was the biggest change in my career. Going from an 80 kg go-kart to a 1,300 kg Lamborghini Huracán ST... The power, brakes, aerodynamics: everything was different. But Team Lamborghini Roma by DL Racing followed me step by step. It was like learning to drive all over again.
Becoming the youngest Italian GT champion at 16: did you expect it?
Honestly no! The goal was to learn, gain experience, grow. Instead, race after race I found myself fighting for positions that count. When I won the Italian GT Endurance Championship AM Class, it was a moment where I understood that all the sacrifices I had made had value.
What did entering the Lamborghini Young Driver Program represent?
The 5th place at the World Finals in Pro Class confirmed that the choice was right. It opened doors that previously seemed unreachable.
2024 was interrupted prematurely. How did you experience this difficult moment?
It was difficult. I had prepared everything for an important season, then the road accident away from the track that occurred, a few hundred meters from home that involved me, made me fear for my career before it began. It was the darkest period of my life: seeing others race while I was stopped destroyed me. But that forced break taught me how precious every opportunity to race is.
How was the rehabilitation process?
After 2 complex leg surgeries it was long and difficult. I'm not just talking about physical recovery, but especially mental. A key role was played by the support of Athletica Cetilar where thanks to Alessio, Filippo and the whole team, the doctors and professionals who followed me made possible not only physical but especially mental recovery. The first simulator tests were difficult: I had lost reflexes and feeling. But day after day, training after training, I rebuilt everything. Family support was fundamental.
Now you're in the Italian GT Sprint 2025. Have you already raced in this championship?
No, it's the first time I'm facing the Italian GT Sprint. The race format is very similar to the Super Trofeo championship I participated in 2023 and 2024.
Looking back, from the 5-year-old boy to today, what has changed and what has remained the same?
The passion is identical. When I get in the car today I feel the same emotion as that first go-kart lap. The difference is that now I know exactly where I want to get. That child dreamed of racing; today I know I can compete at the highest levels.
What is the dream that drives you to get up every morning?
I want to race in the most prestigious international GT series. DTM, IMSA, maybe one day Le Mans. But above all, I would like to become one of the Italian drivers at the top of GT motorsport. Every training session, every race, every sacrifice goes in that direction. The dream is to become a reference point also for young drivers.
What would you say to the 5-year-old boy who first got on that go-kart?
I would tell him: "You're right to believe in this dream. It will be harder than you imagine, but also more beautiful. There will be moments when you'll want to give up, others when you'll seem invincible. You'll go through dark periods like 2024, but you'll come out stronger. Never give up, even when it seems impossible. And always remember to smile when you start the engine, because you're living the most beautiful dream in the world."
Follow Riccardo Ianniello in this Italian GT Sprint 2025 season and discover how a child's dream can transform into the career of a lifetime.
