After establishing himself as a strong competitor in endurance racing, Nicolás Varrone prepares for a return to single-seater competition in the 2026 FIA Formula 2 Championship with van Amersfoort Racing. The Argentine, who claimed the 2023 FIA World Endurance Championship LMGTE Am title and class victory at Le Mans, now joins Van Amersfoort Racing for a new chapter in his career. While speaking to the media, including Pit Debrief, during a pre-season media event, Varrone outlined how his sportscar and endurance racing background influences his approach to the distinctly different challenge of F2 in 2026.
Varrone on applying endurance experience to F2 ahead of 2026 campaign
Despite their vastly different natures, Varrone acknowledged that certain elements of his endurance racing experience have transferred over into his preparation to F2. Most notable among them is his adaptability. Years of competing in different categories and adapting to unfamiliar machinery have strengthened his flexibility behind the wheel. Limited testing opportunities in endurance championships have also required him to learn quickly and efficiently. He explained that this adaptability could prove useful as he adjusts to the demands of F2.
“Yeah, I mean, for sure, there’s some stuff that you can, let’s say, translate to F2. I feel like in the last years in endurance racing, you drive different cars all the time. You drive, you know, you have little time to test and to adapt to the new cars. So for me, it’s a big change. It’s a big challenge. You know, like it’s a massive, massive step in a way of different driving, different understanding of the tyres. So I guess, let’s say that, let’s say that power or let’s say of being used to adapt to new different things can help me quicker to get up to speed.”
At the same time, he made clear that the transition involves significant differences. Driving style, tyre management and race dynamics in F2 require a separate mindset compared to multi-class endurance events.
“But, yeah, I feel that maybe more, you know, experience how to read races, you know, longer races and to understand what’s going on. I feel like that’s, let’s say, the most, let’s say, powerful things that I can translate. But it’s a whole different sport in a way.”
An unexpected return to single-seaters
When asked whether a return to single-seaters had always formed part of his long-term plan, Nicolás Varrone answered candidly. He explained that the opportunity to race in Formula 2 had not been something he had actively pursued. Instead, endurance racing had given him professional stability, international recognition and personal fulfilment. It shaped his career and provided the platform on which he now stands.
He made clear that he remains genuinely content in the endurance paddock, even as he prepares for a new chapter in single-seaters.
“No, actually, I was not expecting for that. You know, I was happy in endurance. I am happy in endurance because I’m still doing it. I mean, it’s racing. I love every form of racing. And endurance gave me my career that I have today. It gave me a lot of opportunities.”
Varrone described the decision as a crossroads moment. He could either continue along a proven and successful endurance path or embrace a completely different challenge in Formula 2. The latter, he acknowledged, would demand adaptation and resilience.
“When this change came up, it was like, you know, I had two options to continue in endurance and, you know, and stay the same. Or let’s go for this new challenge, you know, that is going to be big and it’s going to be really tricky.”
The Colapinto effect and a rare opportunity see Varrone join F2 for 2026 amid continuing endurance interests
Varrone also pointed to the wider surge of interest in Argentine drivers on the international stage as a contributing factor in making the move possible. The rise of Franco Colapinto to Formula 1 generated renewed national enthusiasm and commercial backing for open-wheel racing prospects.
Colapinto, who debuted with Williams in 2024 before securing a 2025 and now, 2026 seat with Alpine alongside Pierre Gasly, helped reignite Argentine interest in the single-seater ladder. According to Varrone, that momentum created tangible support for his own transition to F2.
“So my decision was like, okay, this chance came up with all the Franco Colapinto effect that did just everything in Argentina went crazy. So there was people like, they want to do this, you know, we will sponsor you, we will support you for this big change. Yeah, I took the chance, you know, because it’s something that will not happen twice in my life. And if I didn’t take it, I would regret it for the rest of my life.”
With that backing in place, Varrone chose to seize what he described as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Rather than wonder what might have been, he committed fully to the challenge ahead in F2. Ultimately, For Varrone, the decision centred on taking a rare opportunity when it became available.
Varrone to continue endurance commitments alongside F2 in 2026
Although F2 forms his primary focus in 2026, Varrone confirmed that he will remain active in selected endurance events where the calendar allows. He outlined a schedule that includes several major sportscar races while balancing his single-seater commitments.
“Yeah, yeah. I mean, I will still do some races in endurance. Actually, I did Daytona 24 Hours a few weeks ago. I will do Sebring now in March after Melbourne. Then I will do Petit Le Mans. And I’m trying to see if I can do Nürburgring 24. That would be really nice. The thing is, I have a lot of clashes with NLS to prepare the race, so that’s a bit of a tricky one. And then, yeah, I will do one or two more races that I can’t say right now, but I will do it in sports car racing.”
He further emphasised that endurance racing remains an important part of his identity as a driver.
“So yeah, it’s going to be… I mean, I love it. I love going there, driving a GMP2 or hypercar, whatever. I just love it. I love the atmosphere. I love racing there. The really good, great drivers, you know, it’s really competitive. Yeah, just always put a smile on my face. That’s where I come from. So yeah, it’s really nice. I will do quite a lot of races. Besides the F2 stuff, that will be for sure the main focus this season. But yeah, that’s the answer to the question.”
Thus, as Nicolás Varrone embarks on his 2026 F2 campaign with Van Amersfoort Racing, he does so while maintaining a clear connection to the endurance world that defined much of his recent career.
