Van Amersfoort Racing Names Ricco Shlaimoun as FIA Formula 2 Reserve Driver
Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) is pleased to announce that Ricco Shlaimoun will join the team as its FIA Formula 2 reserve driver for the 2026 season. The American driver will be closely involved throughout the year, attending race weekends and preparation sessions while continuing his development within the VAR environment.
In this role, Ricco will participate in simulator sessions, as well as race briefings and debriefings alongside the 2026 drivers, following the same preparation process throughout the 2026 season. This approach ensures he is fully prepared to step in if required during the 2026 campaign, while gaining direct, hands-on experience with the demands of FIA Formula 2 competition. The development programme’s objective is to also prepare Ricco for an FIA Formula 2 race seat in 2027.
The reserve driver role is a structure commonly seen at the highest levels of motorsport, including Formula 1, and reflects VAR’s commitment to creating a strong and professional team environment while giving young drivers meaningful experience at a high level.
Ricco began his racing career in karting, where he quickly established himself as a front-runner with multiple victories across the Junior TAG and Shifter categories. After transitioning to car racing, he gained experience across Formula 4, Formula Regional and GT competition, building valuable mileage in a variety of competitive racing series.
In 2024, Ricco completed a full campaign in the Formula Regional Americas Championship, further developing his single-seater experience. He expanded his programme in 2025 with appearances in GT America Powered by AWS, where he secured two podium finishes on the streets of Long Beach, continuing to broaden his racing profile.
Joining Van Amersfoort Racing as Formula 2 reserve driver marks an important step in his progression, giving him the opportunity to work closely within a Formula 2 team environment while preparing for future opportunities in single-seater racing.
Ricco Shlaimoun – FIA Formula 2 reserve driver, Van Amersfoort Racing:
“I’m really excited to be joining Van Amersfoort Racing as reserve driver for the 2026 season. Being part of the team across race weekends and preparation sessions is a great opportunity to keep learning and developing in such a competitive environment. I’m looking forward to working closely with everyone and making the most of the experience throughout the year.”
Brad Joyce – Team Principal, Van Amersfoort Racing:
“We’re pleased to welcome Ricco to the team in this role. Having a reserve driver is something well established in Formula 1, and we see real value in bringing that approach into our Formula 2 programme. Ricco will be fully immersed in our environment throughout the season while continuing his own development, and at the same time adds depth to our driver line-up. We’re looking forward to working with him and supporting his progression.”
Van Amersfoort Racing looks forward to working with Ricco throughout the season as he becomes part of the team environment and continues his development within the programme.
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.