Raffaele Marciello Bio
Raffaele Marciello, born on December 17, 1994, in Zürich, Switzerland, is a Swiss-born Italian professional racing driver. He currently competes in the FIA World Endurance Championship and the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup for BMW M Team WRT. Marciello is a former member of the Ferrari Driver Academy and the 2013 European Formula Three Champion. He has also served as a reserve and test driver for the Sauber Formula One team and has competed in the GP2 Series for three seasons. Transitioning to GT racing in 2017, he became a works Mercedes-AMG driver before joining BMW in 2023. In 2022, he secured his first major endurance race victory at the Spa 24 Hours.
Early Life and Background
Raffaele Marciello was born in Zürich, Switzerland, and holds Swiss nationality. He began his racing career in karting in 2005, progressing through various European championships and advancing to the KF2 category by 2010. His early exposure to competitive racing laid the foundation for his ascent in motorsports.
In 2010, Marciello graduated to single-seater racing, competing in the newly launched Formula Abarth series in Italy with JD Motorsport. He won races at Misano and Varano and finished third in the championship. His performance earned him and fellow champion Brandon Maïsano entry into the Ferrari Driver Academy, marking a significant step in his development as a professional driver.
Path to NASCAR
While Marciello’s career has focused primarily on European and international open-wheel and GT racing, he has not competed in NASCAR. His path instead led through Formula Three, GP2 Series, and GT racing, where he developed his skills and reputation.
Marciello’s progression included competing in the Italian Formula Three Championship with Prema Powerteam in 2011, where he secured multiple wins and podiums. He continued in the Formula 3 Euro Series and FIA European Formula Three Championship in 2012 and 2013, achieving numerous victories and podium finishes, culminating in winning the European Formula Three Championship in 2013.
Raffaele Marciello Career
Early Career (2010–2013)
Marciello’s early career was marked by success in junior formulae. After his initial single-seater season in Formula Abarth in 2010, he moved to Italian Formula Three in 2011, securing wins and finishing third overall. In 2012, he competed in both the Formula 3 Euro Series and the FIA European Formula Three Championship, finishing second and third respectively, with multiple wins and podiums.
In 2013, Marciello remained in European Formula Three and dominated the season, ultimately winning the championship. His strong performances established him as a promising talent in motorsport.
GP2 Series Breakthrough (2014–2016)
In 2014, Marciello advanced to the GP2 Series, signing with Racing Engineering. He achieved his first GP2 victory in the feature race at Spa-Francorchamps after a close battle with Stoffel Vandoorne. The following year, he joined Trident Racing but faced challenges, finishing seventh overall. In 2016, he raced for Russian Time, replacing Mitch Evans, continuing to gain experience in the highly competitive series.
Formula One Involvement (2014–2015)
Marciello made his Formula One debut in November 2014 during post-season testing with Ferrari, setting the second-fastest time. Subsequently, he signed as a test and reserve driver for the Sauber Formula One team in 2015. However, he was dropped by Sauber in early 2016 and parted ways with the Ferrari Driver Academy for personal reasons.
GT Racing and Mercedes-AMG Era (2017–2023)
Marciello transitioned to GT racing in 2017, driving a Mercedes-AMG GT3 for AKKA ASP in the Blancpain GT Series Endurance and Sprint Cups. He achieved podium finishes and a notable third-place at the 24 Hours of Spa. In 2018, he became a full factory Mercedes-AMG Performance driver, securing wins and podiums in various GT competitions, including the Intercontinental GT Challenge.
During his time with Mercedes-AMG, Marciello won the Sprint Cup title in 2018 alongside Michael Meadows and achieved multiple victories and podiums in ADAC GT Masters and GT World Challenge Europe. In 2022, he won the Spa 24 Hours and clinched the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup title with teammates Jules Gounon and Daniel Juncadella. His final season with Mercedes in 2023 included victories in the Endurance and Sprint Cups and a successful campaign in the British GT Championship.
BMW M Team WRT Era (2024–Present)
In 2024, Marciello joined BMW M Team WRT as a factory driver, competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship’s top Hypercar class. He drives the BMW M Hybrid V8 alongside teammates Dries Vanthoor and Marco Wittmann. This move marks a new chapter in his career as he continues to compete at the highest levels of endurance racing.
Driving Style and Strengths
Marciello is known for his strong racecraft, consistency, and ability to perform under pressure, particularly in endurance racing. His experience across various racing disciplines has honed his strategic skills and adaptability. Partnerships with skilled teammates and crew chiefs have further enhanced his performance on diverse circuits.
Notable Races and Milestones
Key milestones in Marciello’s career include winning the 2013 European Formula Three Championship, his first GP2 victory at Spa-Francorchamps, and his first major endurance race win at the 2022 Spa 24 Hours. His dominant performance at the 2023 FIA GT World Cup in Macau, where he secured pole position, won the qualifying race, and clinched the main event, stands out as a signature achievement.
Raffaele Marciello Career Wins
Throughout his career, Raffaele Marciello has accumulated numerous wins across various racing series, including Formula Three, GP2, and GT championships. His victories highlight his versatility and competitiveness in both single-seater and GT racing.
Formula Three Highlights
Marciello secured multiple wins in the Italian Formula Three Championship and the FIA European Formula Three Championship, culminating in winning the European title in 2013. His success in these series established him as a top prospect in motorsport.
GP2 Series Highlights
In GP2, Marciello achieved his maiden victory at Spa-Francorchamps in 2014. Although he faced challenges in subsequent seasons, his performances contributed to his development as a driver capable of competing at high levels.
GT Racing Highlights
Marciello’s GT career includes key victories such as the 2022 Spa 24 Hours and multiple wins in the ADAC GT Masters and GT World Challenge Europe. His 2018 Sprint Cup title with Mercedes-AMG and his 2023 FIA GT World Cup win in Macau are among his most notable achievements.
Raffaele Marciello Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Marciello’s family background and racing lineage are not publicly documented. His career progression reflects a focus on professional development within motorsports rather than familial racing heritage.
Personal Life
Information regarding Marciello’s personal life, including marital status or children, is not publicly available. He maintains a professional profile centered on his racing career.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, Raffaele Marciello is expected to continue competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship with BMW M Team WRT in the Hypercar category. His partnership with teammates Dries Vanthoor and Marco Wittmann positions the team as strong contenders. Marciello’s experience and recent successes suggest he will play a key role in BMW’s pursuit of championship honors. The season will be critical in establishing BMW’s competitiveness in the top class of endurance racing and further advancing Marciello’s career at the highest level.