Emerson Fittipaldi Jr., son of the legendary two-time Formula 1 champion, was confirmed as a driver for AIX Racing for the 2026 Formula 2 season, in an announcement made on Wednesday, July 9, 2025. At 18 years old, the Brazilian, currently competing in Eurocup-3 where he holds 13th place with 21 points, surprised many by skipping Formula 3, a traditional step in the climb to motorsport’s elite. The decision marks a bold move in the young driver’s career, as he aims to establish his name on the international stage. His debut is scheduled for March 8, 2026, in Melbourne, Australia, at the season opener. AIX Racing is betting on Emmo, as he is known, to strengthen its presence in the category, considered the final stepping stone to Formula 1. The deal reflects confidence in the driver’s technical and personal development.
Emerson Fittipaldi Jr.’s journey has drawn keen attention in motorsport. As the son of one of Brazil’s greatest sporting icons, he carries a weighty surname but is determined to forge his own path. In Eurocup-3, despite modest results so far with just one podium, the young driver has shown glimpses of talent that justify AIX Racing’s investment. The team, which in 2025 fields Joshua Dürksen and Cian Shields, sees the Brazilian as a long-term asset.
- Key highlights of Emmo’s career:
- Debut in single-seaters in 2021, competing in regional categories.
- Participation in the Italian F4 Championship in 2022 with Van Amersfoort Racing.
- Current Eurocup-3 season with MP Motorsport, scoring 21 points.
Skipping Formula 3 is a strategic but risky move. Formula 2 demands greater technical and mental preparation, with more powerful cars and fiercer competition. AIX Racing, however, believes Emmo is ready for the challenge, backed by an intensive development program throughout 2025.
New chapter in Formula 2
Formula 2 is renowned as a breeding ground for Formula 1 talent, having launched drivers like Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Brazilian Felipe Drugovich, the 2022 champion. Emerson Fittipaldi Jr.’s arrival bolsters Brazil’s presence in the category, which recently featured Gabriel Bortoleto, the 2024 Formula 3 champion. AIX Racing, an up-and-coming team, aims to solidify its grid position with the young driver’s signing. In 2025, the team had mixed results, with Dürksen securing a sprint race win in Australia, while Shields struggled to score points.
The 2026 Formula 2 season promises to be one of the most competitive in recent years, with new talents emerging and teams strengthening their lineups. AIX Racing has yet to announce Emmo’s teammate, but speculation suggests Dürksen may stay, given his consistency. The choice of the second driver will be critical for the team’s balance, as they plan to invest in testing and simulators to prepare their competitors.
Emmo’s motorsport journey
From his early days in karting, Emerson Fittipaldi Jr. showed a desire to follow in his father’s footsteps. His single-seater debut in 2021 marked the start of a promising career, though results in initial categories were modest. In 2022, competing in the Italian F4 Championship, he faced a highly competitive grid, gaining valuable experience. The move to Eurocup-3 in 2025 was a significant step, though his 21 points and 13th place reflect the challenges of standing out in a talent-packed category.
The young driver has focused on honing his skills on European circuits, where technical demands are high. His time with MP Motorsport, a team known for nurturing drivers, was key to catching AIX Racing’s eye. The direct jump to Formula 2, however, requires rigorous preparation, already underway with training sessions and tests scheduled for late 2025.
AIX Racing’s strategy
AIX Racing has taken a bold approach to establish itself in Formula 2. Signing Emerson Fittipaldi Jr. is part of a long-term project that blends promising youngsters with more experienced drivers. The team emphasized, in an official statement, that Emmo’s arrival reflects a commitment to his technical and personal growth. AIX’s setup, including experienced engineers and cutting-edge technology, will be a differentiator in the driver’s development.
- Factors favoring AIX Racing:
- Modern infrastructure with state-of-the-art simulators.
- Expertise in managing drivers in junior categories.
- Strategic partnerships with sponsors that bolster the budget.
The team plans to ramp up Emmo’s training on circuits featured in the 2026 calendar, such as Melbourne, Monaco, and Silverstone. These tests will be crucial for the driver to adapt to the Formula 2 cars’ characteristics, which demand greater power and precision.
Expectations for 2026
Emerson Fittipaldi Jr.’s Formula 2 debut is eagerly anticipated by Brazilian fans, who see in the young driver a chance to relive the glory days of national motorsport. The 2026 season will feature 14 rounds, starting in Melbourne and ending in Abu Dhabi, with a calendar that tests drivers’ endurance and versatility. Emmo will face some of the world’s top talents in an environment that demands consistency and adaptability.
AIX Racing hopes the Brazilian can at least score points regularly in his debut season. While victories are a lofty goal for a rookie, the team believes Emmo could surprise, particularly on tracks where he has shown skill, like Spa-Francorchamps, where he secured his only Eurocup-3 podium.
The Fittipaldi legacy
Carrying the Fittipaldi name is both an honor and a responsibility. Emerson Fittipaldi, the father, conquered the world with Formula 1 titles in 1972 and 1974, plus victories at the Indianapolis 500. Other family members, like Pietro and Enzo Fittipaldi, have also made their mark in motorsport, with stints in Formula 1 and Formula 2, respectively. Emmo, however, is focused on carving his own path, unbound by comparisons to the past.
His father’s influence has been vital, but the young driver stresses his desire to build his own identity. In recent interviews, he highlighted family support while emphasizing the importance of learning from his own mistakes. This mindset will be tested in Formula 2, where the pressure for results is relentless.
Preparing for the leap
Emmo’s transition to Formula 2 will require a significant technical leap. The category’s cars are faster and more complex than those in Eurocup-3, with tires that demand careful management and more intricate race strategies. To prepare, the driver plans to join AIX Racing for testing sessions in 2025, alongside intensifying his physical and mental training.
- Focus areas for preparation:
- Adapting to Dallara tires used in Formula 2.
- Simulator training to memorize track layouts.
- Physical conditioning for longer races.
- Telemetry data analysis to optimize performance.
The team is also organizing workshops with engineers and former drivers to accelerate Emmo’s learning. This integrated approach aims to minimize the learning curve in the new category.
Formula 2’s competitive landscape
Formula 2 in 2026 will be a battleground for young talents vying for a Formula 1 shot. Alongside Emmo, other promising drivers are expected to join the grid, including 2025 competitors like Alexander Dunne and Roman Staněk. The category’s unpredictability, with sprint and feature races, tests drivers’ skills in varied conditions.
AIX Racing, though not among the dominant teams like Prema or ART Grand Prix, has shown progress. Dürksen’s 2025 Australia win signals the team’s potential, which could grow with a motivated driver like Emmo. The 2026 season will be a chance for the team to solidify its standing in the constructors’ championship.
Significance for Brazil
Emerson Fittipaldi Jr.’s presence in Formula 2 reignites Brazilian interest in junior motorsport. Recent years have seen drivers like Felipe Drugovich and Gabriel Bortoleto keep Brazil on the radar of feeder series, and Emmo now takes up the challenge of continuing that legacy. His journey will be closely followed, especially by sponsors eyeing opportunities to promote brands globally.
AIX Racing hopes to leverage the Fittipaldi name’s popularity to attract new partners. The team already has support from Paraguayan companies, thanks to Dürksen, and now aims to expand its sponsor base with the Brazilian’s arrival.
Emmo’s next steps
Before his 2026 debut, Emerson Fittipaldi Jr. faces a busy year of preparation. Beyond testing with AIX Racing, he will continue racing in Eurocup-3, aiming to climb the championship standings. Each race is a chance to gain experience and confidence, critical for tackling Formula 2’s challenges.
The team also plans promotional events with Emmo, capitalizing on his connection with Brazilian fans. These initiatives include appearances at motorsport fairs and fan meet-and-greets, set to boost the driver’s image nationally and internationally.