Argentine motorsport is enjoying a quiet renaissance. With Franco Colapinto back in the F1 grid and Nicolás Varrone reportedly impressing in tests and looking to earn an F2 seat, there’s plenty to get excited about. 

Lower down the ranks, plenty of drivers are impressing with their performances, as they work to catch them. On that list, perhaps none has shined more than Gino Trappa.

The 17-year-old, who hails from San Isidro in Buenos Aires Province, is competing in the Spanish Formula 4 Championship and the Central European Formula 4 Championship. He’s found big success in the latter, with two wins in his first two events. 

The Herald spoke with him over the phone about his passion for motorsports and his goals for the future. 

How did your passion for motor racing start? When did you start racing?

My father’s side of the family has always been passionate about motor racing, but it wasn’t really passed on to me until the pandemic. Looking for stuff to do, my dad took me to race go-karts with my cousins. I enjoyed it, so we started practicing more. We practiced for eight straight months because I was starting from scratch.

By 2022 I started competing in Argentina. I had my first race abroad, in Italy, the following year. In 2024, I started racing in Brazilian F4. It was a middle step before making the jump to Europe, and I finished fifth in the championship with a win and several podiums.

When did you say, “this is what I want to do”?

It’s always tricky because you have to make a lot of sacrifices, but in the end only your passion pushes you forward. I’ve tried several sports, but motorsport was the one I got hooked on. I think it’s the one that better mimics life.

My father always taught me everything I do should be to improve and learn about life. Motorsport is the most difficult sport mentally for me; it requires a lot of focus and knowing how to overcome tough times, so it’s the one where you learn the most about yourself.

You mentioned having to make sacrifices. What are the things you’ve had to drop in order to get where you are?

The biggest sacrifice is obviously economic. This year is perhaps a little more accessible than previous years, but it is still a huge effort that my whole family makes. 

Then there are other things that are still very difficult, and people outside don’t see it. Moving to a different continent by myself, more than 10,000 km away from my family… It is not only the driving part, but also living alone, keeping your routine, being disciplined, and sticking to your diet and your physical exercise. There are many things.

What was the adaptation to race in Europe like? How did you get off to such a solid start?

Europe is where the best in the world are. It is very easy to get here and then quickly drop out because it demands a lot for us Latin Americans.

From the first contact with the car we had a great feeling; I felt very comfortable. So I am very happy with the car’s performance and with my personal performance. I’m making the most of the races I’ve raced in this season, maximizing what I am learning and gaining a lot of experience, which in the end was the goal.

What do you make of the impact Franco Colapinto’s arrival to F1 has had? Have you felt an increase in interest and support from fans and sponsors?

Franco has had a massive impact on motor racing for Argentine drivers abroad. It increased the exposure we get, so we’re receiving a lot more attention, generating many more expectations and much more visibility.

That is very important for us. It is a long and very difficult road, and we sacrifice many things. The economic factor used to make it hard for many drivers to race abroad, and now we are trying to reverse that with all this revolution brought by Franco.

Have you had the chance to meet him?

Last season the Brazilian Formula 4 ran on the same weekend as Formula 1. We talked to his manager to take a photo on Thursday, but then Franco couldn’t do it for some reason, and I couldn’t get into the paddock either. Then during the race weekend it was impossible for both of us, so it’s pending for me.

What are your next goals?

Maybe it sounds better if I say I’m aiming for F1, but in truth my main objective is one I feel I have in my hands — for the most part, at least — which is reaching the F1 support series like F2 and F3.

In the shorter term, I am aiming for the Central European Formula 4 Championship while trying to be constantly in the top 10 in the Spanish Formula 4.