The discipline in which IPKarting has been a key player for over a decade is often seen as a launchpad for young talents destined to excel on the world’s biggest motorsport stages. This is a reputation the company can fully confirm, especially in a season where three drivers who once raced with IPK products are now competing in Formula 1, while another is active in the WEC.
From karting to the heights of motorsport: in addition to collaborating with Nicklas Nielsen — now a reference point in the World Endurance Championship — IPK has closely followed the early careers of George Russell, Isack Hadjar and Andrea Kimi Antonelli, all currently racing in Formula 1. Founded in late 2010, the company soon spotted the potential of a young and determined Russell when he began racing with an OK1 chassis in 2012 — the first brand to join Praga Kart within the IPK family. The Englishman quickly adapted to the kart, designed and manufactured in-house at the company’s Salizzole headquarters, and made an immediate impact at the prestigious SuperNationals event in Las Vegas. As reigning KF3 European Champion, he secured second place after dominating the weekend, leaving his mark in OK1 colours. For IPK’s technical team, it took just a few days on track to recognise the qualities that would later enable Russell to climb to the pinnacle of motorsport, achieving success in British Formula 4, GP3 Series, and Formula 2 before making his Formula 1 debut. The skills he demonstrated in karting are the very same qualities that have been praised by fans and industry professionals since his arrival at the highest level of motorsport, first with Williams and now with Mercedes.
George Russell was still a teenager when he shared key moments of his early career with IPK products, but Isack Hadjar was even younger. The French driver was already behind the wheel of a Praga Kart as a child, taking part in his first national races in the MINI categories. It was with a chassis designed and manufactured by the Salizzole-based company that his career began to take off in 2014. IPK’s technical team quickly recognised the exceptional talent of the future Visa Cash App Racing Bulls F1 Team driver, maintaining an excellent relationship with the young prospect from the Red Bull Junior Team. Hadjar himself has remained closely connected to IPK, still choosing to train with a Praga chassis whenever he returns to karting. Another young driver fondly remembered by the company — and now enjoying an impressive debut in Formula 1 — is Andrea Kimi Antonelli. Like Hadjar, the Italian competed in some races in the MINI categories with an OK1 chassis, immediately showcasing the outstanding potential that would later earn him a place within the Mercedes programme.
Nicklas Nielsen also demonstrated his talent with IPK products, representing RS Kart at the start of the project launched in 2018 with the youngest brand of the group. At his very first outing with a Salizzole-built chassis, the Danish driver secured pole position and finished his debut weekend on the second step of the podium, immediately proving his speed. Nielsen’s journey became even more remarkable when he clinched victory in the IAME International Final in the IAME Super category, before reaffirming his skills with strong performances in the end-of-season WSK events, standing out in the premier class of single-speed karting. The consistency and professionalism noted by IPK’s technical team were just some of the qualities that enabled Nielsen to excel in the GT and Hypercar scene, becoming a leading driver in the World Endurance Championship and claiming victory in the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans. Today, IPK proudly celebrates the success of these drivers while continuing to identify and nurture new talents in a discipline that has once again proven to be a true breeding ground for champions.