Armstrong switches to DAMS for second season of F2

Ferrari junior Marcus Armstrong has signed up for a second season of Formula 2 in 2021 but will switch ART Grand Prix for fellow French outfit DAMS. The New Zealand born driver enjoyed an on-and-off rookie season in the top tier of junior motorsport, but showed enough flashes of his potential to suggest he can compete at the very top end of this level.

Armstrong excelled at the start of the season, taking two podiums inside of the first four races, but then went six rounds without a point. The Kiwi did finish the season in solid form though, taking a further four points’ finishes in the final four rounds.

Armstrong then enjoyed a productive testing debut with DAMS in the December post-season tests in Bahrain, convincing the side to sign him for their 2021 title charge.

“I’m very excited to be joining DAMS,” Armstrong elated. “It’s been a long time coming as there was a lot of interest in working together last season. Formula 2 is such a competitive championship and with only eight events it’s important to start on the right foot in an experienced team that’s used to winning.

“DAMS has a massive history, especially in GP2 and F2 - it’s one of, if not the, best to be with. In the short time I’ve worked with the team it’s already clear they bring out the best in people and have the resources to give me exactly what I need.

“We are aiming for the title. We’ve discussed that it’s not in my interest to finish second and they firmly agreed because they have the exact same targets. By no means is it going to be easy with such fierce competition, but I feel that when I’m in the right environment with a great team I can really do special things.”

Armstrong first made the move to Europe in 2016 and went on to win the Italian Formula 4 title in the following season, as well as finishing second in ADAC F4. The step-up to Formula 3 followed in 2019, where he won three times and narrowly missed out on the title to fellow Ferrari junior Robert Shwartzman.

DAMS won the Teams’ title back in 2019 and are one of the most successful sides at this level, but could only manage eighth last season, with a win and two podiums. They’ll be hoping that Armstrong can help to return them to the top of the standings.

Gregory and Olivier Driot, Co-Team Owners added: "We are very happy to welcome Marcus to DAMS. We have been following his career and his performances for several years, so we are glad to finally join forces this season.

"It’s going to be an important year for both of us. Looking at Marcus’ track record, it is obviously one of our main targets to challenge for the titles this year.

“Marcus drove for us in the 2020 post-season test in Bahrain and he gave some great feedback to the engineers. It was good for him to get to know the team ahead of the 2021 campaign, and everything so far has been positive.

“This is Marcus’ second year in Formula 2 and he has big goals, as does DAMS. We won the teams’ title in 2019 and we would like to be back at the top. We are really looking forward to starting in Bahrain.”