Emerson Fittipaldi Jr, the latest representative of the Fittipaldi motorsport dynasty, enjoyed his first single-seater experience this week, and his proud father was on hand to witness the special moment.
Thirteen-year-old Emmo is currently cutting his teeth in karting, but he'll step up to Formula 4's entry level series next year when he takes part in the Mexican championship and then hopefully takes his single-seater ambitions onward and upward, with the help of the Brand Institute, a Miami-based healthcare-related naming agency that is supporting the young charger's career.
"It feels really fun to drive in a formula car because it’s a big step out of a go kart," said Emmo after a run at Homestead, Miami.
"In karts you’re basically sitting on the floor and now I’m higher up, and it’s a great opportunity to be driving a Formula 4 at Homestead.
"It is so much faster than a kart, but for me it feels slower than a kart! But the braking and turning is so nice. I loved the car."
Emmo's legendary father admitted that the emotions started flowing as he watched his son take to a the track in a proper racing car for the very first time.
"As a father, I’m very emotional to be able to see this – in the 50th anniversary of the year of my first Formula 1 win at Watkins Glen!" said the two-time F1 world champion and two-time Indy 500 winner.
"Today is very special. Mentally, he’s ready and physically he’s small, but has enough strength to drive.
"He’s in the right time to start testing. His next two years in karting are extremely important, and then go into formula cars.
"Some kids these days are starting at 11 years old, and he is 13, so I think it’s a good age for this step."
