Brazilian karter tipped as 'next Senna' joins Todt management group

Caio Collet, 15, has been tipped as the leading prospect of the next generation of Brazilian drivers and will now have his career steered by Todt's All Road Management firm.

"I know it's a cliche to say that he's the 'new Senna' as we've heard that before, but I heard many good things about him and he's done very well in his career so far," said Todt.

After winning karting championships in his home town of Sao Paulo, Collet made his debut at the CIK-FIA World Championship (KF Junior) in 2015 and was best rookie and third overall. He was sixth in the CIK-FIA European Championship (OK-Junior) last year.

"I wanted to help Caio as I don't see any good young Brazilian driver on the radar for the next 10 years," Todt added.

"If he's good, then it might be good for Brazil as it's an important country for motorsport.

"It wasn't that long ago there were no French drivers in F1, but that has changed now.

"We are looking at giving him a test in single-seaters later this year and if he does well, will bring him to Europe next season, otherwise it will be another year in karting."

Todt has managed Massa since 2003 and in addition to being a part owner in the ultra-successful ART Grand Prix team in GP2/Formula 2, he has also looked after drivers including Sebastien Bourdais, Pastor Maldonado and Jules Bianchi.

His current protege Leclerc won this year's F2 title and is expected to make his F1 debut with the Sauber team next season.

For more on Nicolas Todt and his work with the likes of Massa, Bianchi and Leclerc, read the interview in this month's F1 Racing magazine and on Autosport Plus