Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) has confirmed that Andrea Dupé will be joining the team for the 2026 Formula Regional European Championship (FREC). After making a name for himself in karting and Formula 4, the French driver will take a significant step forward in his career by competing in one of Europe’s most prestigious single-seater series. His move into FREC comes after his 2026 Formula Regional Middle East debut with G4 Racing.
A rising star in motorsport
Dupé’s journey in motorsport began at the age of eleven when he started competing in national and international karting events. His early career saw him making steady progress through the ranks, and by 2023, he had firmly established himself as a competitive talent in the OK category. The highlight of his karting career came when he finished as vice-champion in the Italian Karting Championship, a remarkable achievement that cemented his place among Europe’s top young talents.
In 2024, the prestigious Richard Mille Young Talent Academy recognised Dupé’s passion for motorsport by selecting him for the programme. He impressed with the fastest time in the pre-selection test and ultimately finished fourth in the final at Jerez, showcasing his raw potential and making a strong case for his future in single-seater racing.
In 2025, Dupé took the leap into single-seater racing, competing in both the Formula Winter Series and the Italian F4 Championship. In his debut season, Dupé delivered promising performances, securing multiple top-three finishes in the rookie classification and achieving a best overall result of 8th. Furthermore, Dupé’s decision to switch to PHM Racing mid-season further bolstered his confidence, as he gained valuable experience and worked hard to build a solid foundation for his future career.
Dupe’s most recent experience includes competing in the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy, where he has been honing his skills with the highly competitive Formula Regional machinery. Thus, the lessons learned from this experience will be crucial as he prepares for the demanding challenges of the 2026 FREC.
Dupé to start a new chapter with Van Amersfoort Racing in 2026 FREC
Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Dupé is excited to take on the next step in his motorsport journey with Van Amersfoort Racing. The Dutch team, known for its rich history in single-seater racing, has been a top contender in the Formula Regional European Championship for many years. Dupé’s decision to join VAR is a testament to his ambition and drive to succeed in the competitive world of motorsport.
“I am absolutely thrilled to be joining Van Amersfoort Racing for the upcoming season. Stepping up to FRECA is a major milestone in my career, and doing it with such a prestigious team makes it even more special,” said Dupé. “VAR has been a top contender in this category for many years, but what truly stands out to me is the atmosphere—it’s a team where you immediately feel like part of a family. I can’t wait to get started and give my best for the colours of the team.”
A strong partnership ahead
Van Amersfoort Racing, for its part, is equally eager to work with Dupé and help him continue his development as a driver.
Brad Joyce, Team Principal of Van Amersfoort Racing, expressed his excitement: “We’re pleased to welcome Andrea to Van Amersfoort Racing for the 2026 FREC. He has progressed well through junior series and is currently gaining valuable mileage in Formula Regional machinery in the Middle East. Formula Regional Europe is a demanding step, and we’re looking forward to working closely with Andrea as he prepares for the season and continues his development with the team.”
The 2026 FREC promises to be an exciting season, with Dupé set to face some of the best young drivers in Europe. With his strong foundation in karting and single-seater racing, and his determination to succeed, he is ready to make a significant impact in the series.
As Andrea Dupé embarks on this new chapter with Van Amersfoort Racing, the motorsport world will be watching closely to see how he progresses in his journey towards the upper echelons of the racing world.
