Van Amersfoort Racing has confirmed that Francisco Macedo will join the team for the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Trophy (FRME) and the 2026 Formula Regional European Championship (FREC). As a result, the 17-year-old Portuguese driver takes another decisive step forward in his single-seater career. With experience across several junior categories, Macedo now prepares to compete at Formula Regional level with one of motorsport’s most respected development teams.
A strong foundation built in karting
From the outset, Macedo demonstrated exceptional ability. Between 2021 and 2023, he claimed multiple Portuguese karting championship titles, firmly establishing himself as one of the country’s standout young talents.
Meanwhile, he expanded his horizons beyond the national scene. From late 2021 onwards, Macedo competed regularly in international karting, including the highly competitive IAME Euro Series. Furthermore, during 2022 and 2023, he raced in major global events such as the CIK-FIA European Championship and the CIK-FIA World Championship. In 2023, he stepped up to senior-level competition, gaining vital experience against some of the best drivers in the world.
Transition to single-seaters and early success
In early 2024, Macedo made the transition from karting to single-seater racing. He debuted in the Formula Winter Series with Drivex, where he quickly adapted to the demands of formula cars. Shortly afterwards, he progressed into the 2024 Spanish Formula 4 Championship.
During his Spanish F4 campaign, Macedo secured his first career points, underlining his steady development. Subsequently, he advanced to Eurocup-3, where he continued to build momentum. Notably, he achieved a podium finish at Paul Ricard and recorded the fastest lap during the same round. Therefore, his results highlighted both his speed and growing consistency.
Macedo to step up to FREC and FRME with Van Amersfoort Racing in 2026
Now, Macedo prepares for his next challenge with Van Amersfoort Racing. By joining Van Amersfoort Racing for both FRME and FREC in 2026, he gains the opportunity to compete across two highly competitive championships. Importantly, this move allows him to further refine his racecraft while benefiting from VAR’s proven driver development programme.
Reflecting on the announcement, Macedo said: “I’m very pleased and excited to be joining Van Amersfoort Racing for the 2026 season. VAR has an incredible history of developing drivers, and it’s a team I’ve always looked up to. I’m really motivated to work with the team and give my best to achieve strong and top results together.”
Team confidence in a promising talent
Van Amersfoort Racing Team Principal Brad Joyce also expressed confidence in the new signing. He highlighted Macedo’s experience and potential as key factors behind the decision.
Joyce stated: “We are pleased to welcome Francisco to Van Amersfoort Racing for the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy and the Formula Regional European Championship. He brings valuable experience from a range of junior categories across Europe and showed strong pace during previous test outings with the team. Joining VAR is an important step in his development, and we look forward to working with him as he continues to progress at Formula Regional level.”
Van Amersfoort Racing, therefore, enters the 2026 season with high expectations for Francisco Macedo. As he steps up into Formula Regional competition, the team remains committed to supporting his development at every stage.
