With four decades of success behind it, 2023 marked an important anniversary for Prema Racing. Founded by Angelo Rosin in Vicenza, Italy, in 1983, it began with a foray into prototype racing before swiftly switching to single-seaters the following year. It was in 1990 when it would first taste title success, with Roberto Colciago’s Italian Formula 3 coronation proving the first of many championships to come.
Insight: The mindset that keeps a prolific F1 talent factory winning titles
With 39 drivers’ titles and 25 teams championships under its belt, Prema is undeniably one of junior series’ most successful outfits - and a byword for prestige in the paddock among drivers and teams alike. Having now competed in 13 series - a number which continued to grow last year with its F1 Academy entry – dozens of prominent names have raced for the team, including 1997 F1 world champion Jacques Villeneuve, Alpine driver Esteban Ocon and Toyota World Endurance Championship star Kamui Kobayashi.
Eight current F1 drivers competed with Prema at some point in their careers, many going on to win titles, and all point to its close-knit feel as a reason for its success, including Ferrari star Charles Leclerc - who sent a video message that was played at a star-studded gala in Venice last month mark the occasion.
Here's what some of those notable names had to say about their time with the team.