Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) has confirmed its first driver signing for the 2026 FIA Formula 3 Championship, announcing that Jesse Carrasquedo will join the team for his maiden full-time campaign in the series.
The 18-year-old Mexican driver has already contested two F3 rounds this year and gained experience across several high-level junior categories. His addition marks a reunion with the Dutch team, as he previously raced with Van Amersfoort Racing in Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA).
F3 experience grows with early appearances
Although Carrasquedo has yet to complete a full season in F3, he already has two race weekends under his belt from the current 2025 campaign. He debuted at Barcelona with Hitech TGR and later raced at Spielberg, where he achieved a best result of P13 in the Feature Race, giving a glimpse of his potential at this level.
In addition to his race starts, Carrasquedo took part in both 2024 post-season Formula 3 tests, held in Jerez and Barcelona. These outings gave him valuable seat time and contributed to his development as he prepares for a step up to the international stage full-time.
Path through the Junior Formulas
Carrasquedo began his single-seater career in the 2019-2020 NACAM Formula 4 Championship with Sidral AGA-Checo Pérez before, making appearances in the Danish, Spanish, Italian and UAE F4 Championships, laying the groundwork for his rise through the ranks. Over the past two years, he has gained further experience in the Formula Regional Middle East and European Championships, as well as the competitive Eurocup-3 series.
With his varied background, Carrasquedo now makes the transition to FIA Formula 3 on a full-time basis—an opportunity he says he is ready to embrace.
“I’m very excited to join VAR for my first full F3 season,” said Carrasquedo. “They’re a very professional team, and I’ve participated with them before in FRECA, so I’m quite happy with this move. I hope this season will go very well with them.”
Team excited to reunite with Carrasquedo
Van Amersfoort Racing Team Principal Brad Joyce welcomed Carrasquedo back to the team, expressing confidence in the young driver’s potential and commitment.
“We’re proud to have Jesse back with the team and excited to work with him again. His talent and determination have been clear to see, and now that we will work together full-time, we can build on the progress he’s already made. The upcoming post-season F3 testing will help him get more familiar with the car and prepare him to thrive over a full season. Together, we’re aiming for strong results and continued growth in the year ahead.”
Eyes set on 2026 campaign
Carrasquedo’s signing signals the beginning of Van Amersfoort Racing’s preparations for the 2026 F3 season. With testing on the horizon, the team and driver have re-established their partnership and now focus on building momentum and delivering consistent performances across the calendar. Van Amersfoort Racing will announce its full driver line-up and pre-season testing schedule in the coming months.
