Van Amersfoort Racing Unveils Driver Line-Up and Special Livery Ahead of 2025 Macau Grand Prix
Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) is excited to announce its drivers, as well as its special livery for the 2025 Macau Grand Prix. VAR’s livery will have the addition of a golden snake, making it meaningful through not only its 50th anniversary but also the local Chinese horoscope. The role of drivers shall be fulfilled by the Chinese-Italian Newman Chi, the Japanese Kiyoshi Umegaki, and the Polish Tymek Kucharczyk. All three have previous experience in their respective single seater championships and will be great additions to the driver line up of this season.
When we look closer at Macau, it’s pretty obvious that the Chinese horoscope is nationally very well known and trusted. According to the calendar of this horoscope, 2025 is the year of the snake: a symbol of wisdom and renewal. Considering Van Amersfoort Racing’s 50th anniversary, the team saw this as the perfect opportunity to combine the two occasions and debut a brand new livery in this year’s famous Macau Grand Prix. The already existing gold streak design will gain a Chinese snake, decorating the side of the car with a combination of national pride and VAR’s anniversary celebration.
The drivers, between the ages of 16 and 19, have all had their successes before they got signed for Macau. Newman Chi had his successes in karting, coming in 3rd in the Trofeo Delle Industrie in 2021, and 2nd in the WSK Champions Cup in 2022. He then came in 5th in the Formula Trophy UAE in 2024. Kiyoshi Umegaki is currently in the lead of the 2025 Formula Regional Japanese Championship, with 235 points, 7 wins and 10 podiums. Tymek Kucharczyk came in 3rd in both the 2022 Spanish F4, as well as the GB3 Championship in 2024, and is currently leading the championship of the 2025 Euroformula Open Championship with 321 points, 5 wins and 12 podiums.
Newman Chi - Macau driver Van Amersfoort Racing:
“Very happy to be racing with VAR for the Macau FR World Cup, I think it’s a great opportunity for me to learn and grow in this amazing street circuit with an experienced team like VAR, can’t wait to start!”
Kiyoshi Umegaki - Macau driver Van Amersfoort Racing:
“I’m very happy to announce that I will be competing in the 2025 Macau Grand Prix with VAR. It will be my first experience racing in a world championship event, and I’m really excited for this new challenge. I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible, growing as a driver, and giving everything together with the team to fight for victory. Thank you for your support!”
Tymek Kucharczyk - Macau driver Van Amersfoort Racing:
“I’m incredibly proud and excited to announce that I’ll be competing in the FIA Formula Regional World Cup in Macau with Van Amersfoort Racing! Macau Grand Prix is one of the most iconic and challenging events in the world, with an atmosphere and history unlike any other. Racing on such a legendary street circuit will be a huge honor and an amazing experience. It’s a place where precision, courage, and passion really come together - and I can’t wait to take on this unique challenge. It’s also a significant opportunity for Polish motorsport, as I’ll be the first Polish driver since Robert Kubica to take part in this incredible event. I’ll do my best to represent my country and everyone who supports me in the best possible way. Let’s make history in Macau!“
The three will all be making their debut with VAR, joining the team for the first time for Macau in November. Van Amersfoort Racing is very excited to have these three drivers join the team, as well as to race with the new golden livery, and greatly encourages sponsors and fans to follow VAR and Newman Chi, Kiyoshi Umegaki, and Tymek Kucharczyk during this great challenge.
About Van Amersfoort Racing
Van Amersfoort Racing is a professional racing team based in the Netherlands. It was founded by Frits van Amersfoort in 1975. Since then, Van Amersfoort Racing has built a long tradition of supporting up-and-coming drivers on their way to higher levels. Drivers like Max and Jos Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, Mick Schumacher, Kevin Magnussen, and Liam Lawson all raced for Frits van Amersfoort's team in the early stages of their careers before making it into Formula 1.