Verschoor ready for new season: 'I'm not done yet in Formula 2'

For a third year in a row, Richard Verschoor will race in Formula 2. The Dutchman has already scored two wins in this class and with Van Amersfoort Racing he hopes to continue that line. GPblog spoke to the man from Benschop ahead of the new season.

Verschoor to Van Amersfoort Racing

Somewhat out of the blue, Verschoor announced that he will feature in Formula 2 for another year in 2023. After a season with MP Motorsport and last year with Trident, Verschoor will start his third season in the step-up class for Formula 1. The Dutch team's new driver is very happy with the move.

''My feeling is very good, I am very happy. It was a bit exciting to get a seat. I had been in contact with Van Amersfoort for quite a long time and I am very happy that we were able to continue that. I can't wait to get started," Verschoor said in conversation with GPblog.

Verschoor has never driven for Van Amersfoort Racing before, but immediately saw opportunities in 2022 with the team that can be reached within 40 minutes from home. The Dutchman can therefore visit the team's headquarters in Zeewolde frequently.

Verschoor saw Van Amersfoort Racing make their debut in F2 in 2022. The team finished tenth in the constructors' standings, trailing only Campos Racing. Especially from the latest set of results, the team's progress can be seen and so Verschoor did not hesitate for a moment.

"Van Amersfoort Racing has a good name. Last year, I must say that for a first year in Formula 2, they did very well. So I had already seen 'there's a lot of potential in that' anyway. I also really enjoy working with a new team. I've gained a lot of experience myself and don't feel I'm done in Formula 2 yet, so hence my choice to continue for another year."

Formula 2 and nothing else

The question is, though, why a third year in F2? Verschoor had already raced in the class for two seasons, winning two races (although he jokingly said he won three because he counted his disqualification in Austria) and achieved his best result at MP Motorsport in 2021 by finishing 11th in the standings. For Verschoor himself, however, there was no doubt. He desperately wanted to stay in F2 and saw Van Amersfoort Racing as a great opportunity.

"My focus was always on Formula 2. I did have many offers in other classes or other countries, but I just wanted to do Formula 2. I am always very adamant about that," said the driver who in the past won the prestigious Macau Grand Prix and in F2 won two sprint races at Silverstone (2021) and in Bahrain (2022).

GPblog completed an extensive interview with Richard Verschoor. The whole interview will soon be available on GPblog.com and our YouTube channel. Interviews with Juan Manuel Correa (Verschoor's teammate) and team boss Frits van Amersfoort will also appear.