Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) has confirmed that Ricco Shlaimoun will join its FIA Formula 2 programme as reserve driver for the 2026 F2 season. The American will work closely with the team across race weekends and preparation sessions, while continuing his development within the VAR structure.
Through this appointment, VAR strengthens its professional framework and reinforces its long-standing commitment to nurturing emerging talent.
Shlaimoun to have full immersion in the 2026 F2 campaign with VAR
Throughout the 2026 season, Shlaimoun will take part in simulator sessions, race briefings and debriefings alongside the team’s full-time drivers. Importantly, he will follow the same preparation processes as the race line-up, ensuring he remains ready to step into competition if required.
At the same time, the programme aims to prepare him for a full-time F2 race seat in 2027. By embedding him within the operational environment, VAR provides direct exposure to the demands and intensity of F2 competition.
Moreover, the reserve driver structure mirrors a system widely used at the highest level of the sport, including Formula 1. Consequently, VAR continues to align its F2 operation with top-tier professional standards.
Shlaimoun expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity and the development pathway ahead.
“I’m really excited to be joining Van Amersfoort Racing as reserve driver for the 2026 season. Being part of the team across race weekends and preparation sessions is a great opportunity to keep learning and developing in such a competitive environment. I’m looking forward to working closely with everyone and making the most of the experience throughout the year.”
His role will allow him to gain valuable, hands-on experience while contributing to the team’s overall strength and depth.
Strong foundations across categories
Shlaimoun began his career in karting, where he quickly established himself as a front-runner, securing multiple victories in Junior TAG and Shifter categories. Subsequently, he progressed into car racing and built experience across Formula 4, Formula Regional and GT competition.
In 2024, he completed a full campaign in the Formula Regional Americas Championship, further strengthening his single-seater credentials. Then, in 2025, he expanded his programme into GT America Powered by AWS, where he claimed two podium finishes on the streets of Long Beach. As a result, he broadened both his technical understanding and racecraft across diverse machinery and circuits.
Brad Joyce, Team Principal at Van Amersfoort Racing, highlighted the strategic value of appointing a reserve driver within the Formula 2 programme.
“We’re pleased to welcome Ricco to the team in this role. Having a reserve driver is something well established in Formula 1, and we see real value in bringing that approach into our Formula 2 programme. Ricco will be fully immersed in our environment throughout the season while continuing his own development, and at the same time adds depth to our driver line-up. We’re looking forward to working with him and supporting his progression.”
Therefore, VAR not only invests in Shlaimoun’s future but also enhances its operational resilience for the 2026 campaign.
