A letter from the 2022 FIFA World Cup:

Dear Gabriel, Brazil just got eliminated from the 2022 FIFA World Cup. This might seem as kind of random, but it was a little bit of a marking point for me — your 2022 version —, because I clearly remember thinking during the 2018 FWC about where, and how, I would be today, in the 2022 FWC. I remeber all I could think was that I would probably be at university, probably at UFC or UFPB. God, was I wrong about that last part hahaha. I tried to study abroad, in the US. Even though it didn't quite work out, I still went pretty far away from home. Studying at Unicamp, being part of FSAE, and, so far, excelling at both is truly a dream, that I did not expect to accomplish at all. So, seeing how far away I was back in 2018 from predicting my future, I thought it would be funny to write you a letter with a few predicitions for how you will be, in the 2026 FWC! Well, going first to the obvious, you should — in theory — be close to graduating from Unicamp! To be honest, I don't really think that's going to happen in 2026. Dividing my focus between the university studies and FSAE's projects is already being a huge challenge, and I feel like it's only goint to get harder. Therefore, I'd say you won't be graduating in 2026 yet, so no pressure there :) There is also a possibility of you not even being in Brazil anymore, because I still have a wish at the bottom of my heart to study abroad through Unicamp's double degree programs, even though I don't think you are likely to have gone through that path (right now, I feel more like focusing on FSAE, which would mean I'd get lower grades, which in turn would make it extremely hard to get into these programs). But anyway, there is also a chance, and I can't lie that it would be pretty awesome to live in France for a few years! Now that I mentioned FSAE, I can only imagine how things turned out for you at the team. Right now, I think I'll be powertrain manager for the 2023/2024 cicle, but something tells me I might as well end up as projects manager, because to be honest I don't really see another option within the team, at least not right now. But anyway, I'd say the likeliest scenario is that I'll be powertrain manager in 2023/2024 and projects manager in 2024/2025. But who knows what will happen? This team is one of the most unpredicting things I've ever seen. So, about your career. You might very well be already working (and being paid for that, unlike your FSAE work lmao), god knows where. I'd say you indeed already got an intership, but maybe doesn't feel like settling down at that company. That's because, while working at FSAE, I've realized that working in a competitive environment (in a sproting way) is quite important to me, and I feel that it's not exactly common to get an intership at a company with such an environment. But anyway, I'm curious to see where you are at with your career! Now, talking about our love life (because why not?), I honestly don't think you will have a relationship. I've thought about this lately, and it would be extremely hard to be able to nurture a romantic relationship while pursuing my not so small dreams — such as working as a Formula One Engineer —, so I'd have to choose between building a family or pursuing these dreams. Knowing me, I'd probably choose the family — if I had a chance. However, chances are I simply won't, so I might as well focus on my career! Anyway, I know very well this is probably just my 19 year old head talking after a little heartbreak, but I just feel like it's more than that. Hope you have that at least a little more figured out :) OKAY, I obviously have to talk about Formula One. Verstappen has just won his second World Championship in a VERY dominating style. He doesn't seem like slowing down anytime soon, so I expect him to win at least one or two championships until 2026 (I'd say he'll win two: 2023 and 2024). I think Mercedes will come back to the top eventually, and George and Lewis will maybe fight for the 2025 championship, with Lewis retiring regardless of the result. 2026 I have absolutely no clue. The new regulations might produce a few surprises just like they did on 2022, so I won't risk a guess (okay I'll say Ferrari will FINALLY win a championship). In the sports-related theme (and going back to the World Cup), I honestly don't think Brazil will get even close to win the 2026 FWC. 2022 was one of our best chances in the last few years, and we were eliminated already in the quarterfinals by Croatia. I think that the team will not be as well structured in 2026, due to Tite leaving its command. But I hope I'm wrong, it would be amazing to see Brazil winning a World Cup for the first time! But anyway, I think that's enough for now! I'm sure a LOT more will happen in the next four (well, three and a half) year of our life, but I can't predict it all right? Hope I got at least a few things right (or not, after all no one really know the best path for their future)! I (really) hope this letter finds you well! Kindly, 2022 Gabriel Marques