Richard Verschoor on his time in Formula 2, MP Motorsport and signing to McLaren

Richard Verschoor was in a reflective mood at the 2025 season-ending race weekend at Yas Marina, as he talked through his time in Formula 2, missing out on the title and much more.

The Dutchman returned last year not only for a fifth consecutive campaign in F2, but also to MP Motorsport, having started his single seater career with them back in 2016.

It proved to be a successful season for both Verschoor and MP, as he finished third in the Drivers’ Championship, having won four races and achieved six podiums in total. Sitting in the Abu Dhabi pitlane at the end of the year, he reflected on it all…

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“Even though I did not win the championship, Leo did a good job to get that sorted, it's very nice for me to end the season with MP,” said Verschoor.

“I have a long history together with them, so it's going to be sad to say goodbye, not only to MP, but also the teams I have worked with, and all the people I know here in the paddock. But I always say you meet everyone twice, so let’s see in the future who I will meet again.

“You also never know maybe in the background, I can still be involved in some way with MP. I don't know yet if that is the case, but I wouldn't mind, maybe in the future. It’s a really nice team, they have made amazing progress from when I was here at the start.

“They are so professional and at the moment, they can be considered one of the top teams. The Netherlands can be proud of the way they represent the country.

“Very happy and thankful for the all the opportunities, because it’s not only this year, it's many opportunities that they have given me, and I am thankful for that.”

Verschoor, who led the Drivers’ Standings at the halfway stage of the season, revealed his pride at being able to have been a contender for the title, with that having been his goal for 2025.

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The 25-year-old feels he has shown what he can do over the last two seasons, and he can carry this forward into the next chapter of his career, where he is set to be backed by the McLaren F1 Team.

Verschoor was announced to be joining the papaya team’s Driver Development Programme prior to the final round, and he hopes this signing inspires a few people.

“I think to be honest, I hope people see that if you really want something and you go all in, it's possible,” he said. “It doesn't mean that it happens straight away.

“But if you really hold on to something that you believe can happen and for me it was always to be part of a big team, a big manufacturer, a big family, it was always my dream.”

Verschoor also reflected on the conversation that started it all, when he went up to the McLaren CEO Zak Brown in Jeddah to talk about joining the team he had dreamed of for a while.

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“Once I saw Zak I decided to walk up to him,” he revealed. “I went without anyone telling me to do so, without any idea of what it could bring, and look what it brought. Now we are only getting started, but it's a nice step and I am very proud to be part of McLaren.

“I said it to my mates two or three years ago if I could choose one F1 team it would be McLaren. So it's very nice that it all came together like this. After getting an opportunity with MP, starting a fifth season, which many people didn't like, to end it this way is very nice.”

Verschoor ended the 2025 season with the most starts in Formula 2 history – with 129 – and tied for the most wins in the Championship on eight.

The Dutch driver also leaves with many standout performances, having used the alternative strategy to his advantage on numerous occasions. When asked about that, he shared what he would tell any of the new drivers stepping up to F2.

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“I think it’s about what Leo showed,” he said. “He still won races, but you don't have to win every race to become the Champion. I think it’s quite obvious, and many people know that.

“But maybe a better way of describing it is even when things don't seem to be going your way, in Qualifying or the race, in F2 everything can change quickly, so keep working hard, don't doubt yourself and use the moments that you are quick well.”