Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) has confirmed that Brazilian driver Pedro Lima will graduate to the FIA Formula Regional European Championship (FREC) in 2027, continuing his partnership with the Dutch outfit for a second consecutive season.
Lima becomes the team’s first confirmed driver for the upcoming championship, following his progression through Formula 4 competition in Brazil and Europe. The Brazilian joined VAR ahead of the 2026 season, competing in the Formula Winter Series, Italian F4 Championship and E4 Championship.
His promotion represents another important step in his single-seater career as he prepares to compete in more powerful machinery against an increasingly competitive international field. The move will also allow Lima to maintain his established relationship with VAR’s engineers and personnel as he adapts to the demands of Formula Regional racing.
Lima progresses from Brazilian F4 to European competition
Lima began establishing himself in single-seater racing during the 2025 Brazilian F4 Championship, following a successful karting career that included winning the 2024 Copa Brasil de Kart.
The Brazilian quickly demonstrated his potential in Formula 4, securing two victories, nine podium finishes and two pole positions during his debut campaign. His performances earned him third in the Drivers’ Championship and attracted the attention of Van Amersfoort Racing.
The Dutch outfit subsequently confirmed Lima for its 2026 Formula 4 programmes, providing him with an opportunity to transition into European competition.
Lima began the year in the Formula Winter Series before moving into the Italian F4 and E4 Championships. The three programmes offered experience across several European circuits and introduced him to a significantly different competitive environment.
Throughout the season, Lima continued developing his understanding of the car while adapting to new circuits, teams and racing conditions. His progress established a foundation for his promotion to Formula Regional, with VAR choosing to maintain the partnership as he moves into the next stage of his career.
Continued partnership provides valuable continuity
Lima’s decision to remain with VAR will allow him to build on the relationships established during his first European campaign. The Brazilian has already worked extensively with the team’s engineering personnel, gaining experience in technical feedback, car setup and race preparation.
In an exclusive interview with Pit Debrief earlier in 2026, Lima discussed the importance of working closely with his engineers and improving his understanding of the car.
He highlighted the progress made in communicating technical feedback, explaining how the team’s support had helped him develop his ability to recognise handling characteristics and contribute to setup decisions.
That experience will become particularly important as he transitions to the Tatuus T-326 used in FIA FREC. The Formula Regional car features greater aerodynamic performance than Formula 4 machinery, requiring drivers to adapt their braking techniques, cornering speeds and approach to tyre management.
By remaining with a familiar team, Lima can concentrate on understanding those technical differences without simultaneously adjusting to an entirely new working environment.
Lima welcomes opportunity to step up to FIA FREC in 2027 with Van Amersfoort Racing
Following the announcement, Lima expressed his excitement about continuing with Van Amersfoort Racing while acknowledging the challenges of competing at a higher level.
The Brazilian views the promotion as an important milestone in his development and intends to build on the experience gained during his first year racing in Europe.
“Stepping up to FIA FREC with Van Amersfoort Racing next year is a massive step forward in my career. As the competition sharpens, I’m fully committed to pushing my limits and bringing strong results to the team. It will be a challenging season, but definitely a pivotal one for my journey. Big thanks to VAR and my partners for believing in my potential,” Lima said.
His comments reflect the importance of the upcoming season, which will provide an opportunity to compete against drivers progressing through the international single-seater ladder.
Although Lima already has experience competing at several European circuits, the transition will introduce new technical demands and a more competitive field. He will now begin preparing for those challenges alongside the team that supported his introduction to European racing.
Joyce praises Lima’s progress during 2026 campaign
Van Amersfoort Racing Team Principal Brad Joyce welcomed the decision to retain Lima, highlighting the Brazilian’s development since joining the organisation.
Joyce believes the progress demonstrated throughout the 2026 season provides a strong foundation for the driver’s next step, particularly given the continuity offered by remaining with the same team.
“We’re pleased to continue working with Pedro as he moves into FIA Formula Regional European Championship. After a strong season in Brazilian Formula 4, he made the move to European racing with us this year. We’ve seen him make good progress throughout the season, and we’re looking forward to building on that in FIA FREC,” Joyce said.
The team principal also acknowledged the challenges associated with adapting to new machinery and a higher level of competition.
“Moving up will be another significant step, but having that continuity with the same team will be a real advantage as he adapts to the new car and championship.”
Lima’s confirmation represents the first step in establishing VAR’s driver line-up for 2027. The Dutch outfit has yet to announce its remaining two drivers for the upcoming campaign.
Expanded 2027 FIA FREC championship presents new challenge
Lima will make his FIA FREC debut during the championship’s second season under full FIA status, following significant changes introduced for 2027.
The championship will expand from eight to ten rounds, with a revised weekend format featuring two qualifying sessions and two races at every event.
The grid will also increase to 36 cars across 12 teams, with Invicta Racing and LN4 Fusion joining the ten outfits that contested the inaugural 2026 season.
The expanded calendar features new visits to Portimão and Silverstone, while Barcelona returns as the season finale. The championship will also race at the Red Bull Ring, Spa-Francorchamps, Paul Ricard, Hungaroring, Zandvoort, Imola and Monza.
The 2027 campaign begins at the Autódromo Internacional do Algarve in Portugal on 9–11 April before concluding at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya on 8–10 October.
For Lima, the championship represents another opportunity to develop within the FIA’s single-seater pathway, bridging the gap between Formula 4 and FIA Formula 3.
Having already established a relationship with Van Amersfoort Racing during his first European campaign, the Brazilian will now aim to translate that experience into competitive performances as he prepares for his Formula Regional debut.
