In an exhilarating turn of events, young Polish racing sensation Kacper Sztuka, just 17 years old, sealed his place in history by winning the Italian Formula 4 Championship, even before the season finale. It’s a monumental achievement that propels him closer to the coveted Formula 3 series, though hurdles remain.
A Dominating Season
Sztuka had a stellar season leading up to his championship triumph, with seven victories under his belt. He asserted his dominance by winning the pole position in the qualifying race, positioning himself for the ultimate success.
Sztuka’s journey to championship glory faced a momentary hiccup in the first race when he finished in third place, leaving his title bid in suspense. However, he made a strong comeback in the following race, securing his eighth win of the season and the championship title, dismissing any doubts.
POPIS KACPRA SZTUKI 🔥🔥🔥
— Viaplay Sport Polska (@viaplaysportpl) October 14, 2023
POLAK MISTRZEM WŁOSKIEJ F4! #viaF1 pic.twitter.com/wrtJ8BDuRB
A Protest and Triumph
A protest from the competitive PREMA team alleging a restart violation by Sztuka momentarily clouded his victory. Still, a minor penalty of five seconds didn’t affect the final results, as he crossed the finish line 5.3 seconds ahead of his closest competitor.
Kacper Sztuka’s remarkable feat draws parallels with the legendary Robert Kubica, who remains the only other Polish driver to win a single-seater racing series – the Formula Renault 3.5 in 2005. This win solidifies Sztuka’s position in the annals of Polish motorsports.
Stepping Towards Formula 3
The victory on Vallelunga’s circuit brings Sztuka closer to a promotion to the Formula 3 series. However, a significant financial hurdle stands in his way. To secure a spot in higher-tier competitions, he must raise 1.5 million euros to secure a contract with one of the teams. Sztuka and his team are now on the lookout for sponsors to support this young racing talent’s dreams.
In a season marked by triumphs and challenges, Kacper Sztuka has etched his name in Polish motorsport history. His relentless pursuit of excellence is an inspiration, and with continued support, he could soon be vying for success in Formula 3, taking the Polish racing legacy to new heights.