Van Amersfoort Racing opts for own route with Verschoor and Correa

Van Amersfoort Racing has appointed an interesting driver duo for their second season in Formula 2. Indeed, with Richard Verschoor and Juan Manuel Correa, they have a unique mix of experience and talent with which they could just take a big step forward in 2023.

Debut year in Formula 2

In 2022, VAR made their debut in Formula 2. They scored 73 points over the entire season, trailing only Spain's Campos Racing in the constructors' standings. Jake Hughes, at 28, was the designated leader and he did not disappoint. He picked up 26 points but left mid-season due to increasing Formula E commitments, which earned Hughes a seat with McLaren's FE team for 2023.

Van Amersfoort found the ideal replacement in David Beckmann, who had also replaced Amaury Cordeel earlier in the season when he was suspended for a race. Cordeel scored 26 points in a full season (as many as Hughes did in half a year), Beckmann scored 25 in half a season.

For 2023, Van Amersfoort are clearly choosing a different route. Correa is a familiar name in the motorsport world. The man born in Ecuador but driving under US nationality is no longer the youngest at 23. Given his past, however, it is a miracle that he still manages to be competitive at this level.

Correa's story

Indeed, Correa was involved in the Formula 2 crash at Spa-Francorchamps that killed Anthoine Hubert. Correa had to recover physically, but more importantly mentally. In 2021, ART gave him the chance to return to motorsport. In Formula 3, Correa slowly picked himself up and in 2022 he even finished on the podium once more.

After finishing 13th in the F3 championship, Correa now returns to Formula 2 at VAR. A nice step for the driver, but also for the team. After all, with Correa they bring in a man with a lot of experience and speed.

Verschoor prepares for year three

Next to Correa, 22-year-old Verschoor will take his place. Verschoor is no stranger to the rookie classes either and his ambitions remain undiminished. The driver from Benschop was still part of the Red Bull Junior Team in 2016 and 2017, wrote the Spanish F4 championship to his name and won the famous Macau Grand Prix. In addition, with two wins in F2, VAR brings in a proven winner in this class.

After a year with MP Motorsport in 2021 and driving for Trident last year, Verschoor is starting his third team in F2. In 2022, he was on the podium four times but finished one place lower in the final standings than a year earlier. A 12th place was the final result in 2022.

As a small and new team in F2, VAR does not have to rely on talents from F1 teams. Those are stabled with the big teams. You can then choose from third-tier talents, but VAR clearly chooses a different route in 2023. It wants to grow as a team first and it can do so under the guidance of two experienced F2 drivers. A smart move by the team, now it is to be hoped that it also works out well.