Van Amersfoort Racing welcomes Hiyu Yamakoshi for FIA Formula 2 debut in Baku
Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) is pleased to announce that Hiyu Yamakoshi will step up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship for the upcoming round in Baku, Azerbaijan. The Japanese driver will replace Nico Varrone for the 12th round of the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season, following a mutually agreed decision between Nico and the team.
The opportunity marks Hiyu’s first FIA Formula 2 race weekend and adds another step to his progression with Van Amersfoort Racing. Having joined VAR in 2024, he has progressed through the team’s single-seater programmes from Formula 4 to Formula Regional and, this season, FIA Formula 3.
Hiyu enjoyed a strong rookie season in FIA Formula 3. He secured three podium finishes, taking second place in the Feature Race in Barcelona and Spa, before adding a third-place finish in the Monza Sprint Race. He also claimed pole position at the Red Bull Ring and finished the season ninth in the championship with 71 points.
The move to Formula 2 gives Hiyu the opportunity to gain experience at the next level of the single-seater ladder while continuing his development within the VAR environment. He will work with the team’s FIA Formula 2 operation throughout the Baku weekend and gain valuable experience of the championship.
Hiyu Yamakoshi – Formula 2 driver, Van Amersfoort Racing:
“I’m very happy to have this opportunity to make my Formula 2 debut with VAR. I’ve been with the team since F4, so stepping into F2 together makes this a very special moment. I’m looking forward to learning as much as possible throughout the weekend, working with the team and making the most of the experience.”
Brad Joyce – Team Principal, Van Amersfoort Racing:
“We’re pleased to give Hiyu the opportunity to make his Formula 2 debut in Baku. He has made strong progress this season and has shown his pace in F3, with several strong results throughout his rookie campaign. Having worked with Hiyu for three years, we know his approach and his ability to learn. This will be a new challenge for him, and we’re looking forward to working with him throughout the weekend.
At the same time, we would like to thank Nico for his work with the team this season. He has been a valued member of our F2 line-up, and we have really enjoyed having him as part of the team. Coming from sports car racing, the move to Formula 2 was a significant change, and Nico adapted very well to the demands of single-seater racing. He took on that challenge and showed that he could adapt to Formula 2 in a very short period of time. We wish him all the best for the next steps in his career.”
The 12th round of the 2026 FIA Formula 2 season will take place from 24–26 September at the Baku City Circuit. Hiyu will join VAR for his first Formula 2 weekend as the team continues its 2026 campaign.