Lorandi becomes latest Renault F1 affiliate driver

Leonardo Lorandi has been recruited as a Renault Sport affiliate driver by the Formula 1 team.

The 18-year-old Italian, who is the younger brother of Formula 2 driver Alessio, currently sits seventh in the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup standings after taking a podium finish on his series debut at Monza.

Having secured a trio of karting titles in 2012, 2014, and 2016, Lorandi made his single-seater debut in the Italian Formula 4 Championship for the following season.

Lorandi finished second in the championship, before a switch to the Euroformula Open Championship followed in 2018, where he claimed five wins and 10 podiums on his way to securing runner-up spot.

“I am really happy and proud to get this opportunity; I must thank everyone at Renault,” Lorandi said.

“With all of the opportunities Renault offers and the people involved, I feel as though I can make a huge amount of progress. I achieved a good result last year in the Italian F4 Championship, but this is a greater achievement.

“Being part of such a big and serious team like Renault is a good opportunity and I won’t waste it. I want to keep the Renault colours as high as I can.”

Renault sport academy director Mia Sharizman added: “It is a pleasure to work more closely with Leonardo.

“His initial performance in single-seaters has been impressive. He has had a promising start to the Eurocup and can continue his progress through his role as Affiliate Driver.

“There is definitely room for more Italian drivers at the top levels of the sport, and we hope that Leonardo will develop within the framework of the Academy.”