Double podium for VAR at challenging Formula Winter Series opener in Estoril
Van Amersfoort Racing opened the 2026 Formula Winter Series with a strong and eventful weekend at the Circuito Estoril, as changing weather conditions turned the season opener into an unpredictable and demanding start to the year. Despite the challenges, the team left Portugal with a race victory - the first Formula 4 win of Rocco Coronel - and a double podium finish.
For the first time, the Formula Winter Series visited the historic Estoril circuit, where conditions quickly became a defining factor. Heavy rain and multiple interruptions limited running during qualifying, creating a mixed-up grid and setting the tone for a weekend where adaptability and smart decision-making played a key role.
Once racing got underway, VAR’s drivers showed their strength in tricky conditions. In race two, Rocco Coronel made a strong start and moved into the lead early on. Despite several Safety Car interruptions, the Dutch driver kept his focus at the front and managed each restart cleanly to claim his maiden Formula 4 victory. Behind him, Thomas Bearman delivered a solid and composed drive, working his way through the field to finish third, securing a double podium for Van Amersfoort Racing.
Alongside the podium finish, Alex Ruta and Pedro Lima both delivered strong races in race two, running consistently inside the points in difficult conditions. Alex finished sixth, with Pedro close behind in eighth, rounding out a positive team result for Van Amersfoort Racing.
The final race of the weekend once again underlined how quickly circumstances could change at Estoril. Rain returned shortly before the start, forcing teams and drivers to react rapidly as grip levels dropped. While the outcome didn’t fully reflect the team’s overall pace, VAR’s drivers continued to push through the changing conditions.
Leaving Estoril with a race win and another podium finish, Van Amersfoort Racing takes confidence into the next round of the Formula Winter Series. The championship now remains in Portugal, with the next event taking place at Portimão, where the team will look to build on a promising start to the season.
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.
Photography by Fotocar13