A transformative chapter in racing history has come to an end, and it’s a bittersweet moment for enthusiasts. On Monday, the Rosin family made the heartfelt announcement that they would be departing from Prema Racing—a team they established in 1983, which has since become a powerhouse in junior single-seater racing.
Founded by Angelo Rosin and his wife Grazia Troncon, Prema Racing has been a family affair, with their son Rene and Angelina Ertsou managing its daily operations for quite some time. However, the entire family has now officially stepped away from the team.
No matter how many times you read this news, it feels surreal.
In the world of sports, it's often a challenge for families to maintain ownership of teams at such competitive levels. Yet, the conclusion of this era carries a certain sadness, particularly for those who have witnessed the team's remarkable journey.
Sources from The Race indicate that the announcement caught everyone at Prema’s factory near Vicenza off guard, leaving mechanics and team personnel in shock.
One pressing question now arises: how will the drivers and their sponsors—who have collectively invested tens of millions to race under Rene and Angelina’s leadership this year—respond to this significant change? While contracts might still bear Prema Racing's name, it’s clear where the confidence of Formula 1 teams and major sponsors truly lies when they write checks for these drivers.
It's worth noting that there have been various factions within the organization for a while now. The Rosins hold a minority stake in the team, with the majority owned by DC Racing Solutions, led by Deborah Mayer, since 2021. This change occurred when DCRS acquired a controlling interest from previous owner Lawrence Stroll.
Last season, the team faced allegations of failure to settle bills during its inaugural IndyCar season and has even taken Lamborghini—its technical partner in the Lamborghini LMDh project—to court over a data breach. Outside of North America, things appeared to run smoothly on the surface, but underlying tensions were certainly present.
Undoubtedly, the Rosin family has been inundated with calls from drivers and team members they played a pivotal role in developing into top-tier racers. For instance, one can only imagine the phone call Charles Leclerc made on Tuesday; the list of individuals who genuinely care about the Rosins is undoubtedly extensive and impressive.
This reflects the way they nurtured the team. In the context of junior single-seater racing, drivers typically remain with Prema for just a season or two. However, unlike many other teams, they tend to maintain connections long after their tenure. Rene and Angelina have always been available as lifelong advisors to those who have poured their hearts into Prema.
As we ponder the implications of this departure, several questions arise quickly. How will this impact those who have already paid to compete for the team in 2026? What changes lie ahead for the staff? Will they remain onboard? Surprisingly, the staff appear to have been left in the dark about much of the situation, with some discovering the news through external sources.
And what about the Rosin family? Will they jump back into the racing scene immediately with another team, or are they contemplating a break to embark on a new venture? Their expertise will certainly be sought after if they decide to join forces with other teams.
Then there’s the IndyCar team—one could argue this segment of the operation has seen the least involvement from the Rosins, despite their significant engagement. Based on conversations I've had, I believe that without substantial financial backing and a renewed hiring effort, it will be a considerable challenge for the team to field a competitive entry in 2026.
All eyes are on the future, especially since the IndyCar team boasts two exceptionally talented drivers, Callum Ilott and Robert Shwartzman, under contract for the upcoming season.
Life may continue as usual elsewhere, particularly if the Rosins are the only ones stepping away. But regardless of the circumstances, Prema Racing will undeniably feel different moving forward.
Just last December, Prema celebrated its 40th anniversary with a lavish party attended by notable figures like Ollie Bearman, Esteban Ocon, Kimi Antonelli, Laurent Mekies, and Jacques Villeneuve.
Now, the visionaries behind that legacy and success have departed. What lies ahead for Prema Racing?
