Rafael Villagómez steps up to Formula 2 for 2024 season with Van Amersfoort Racing

Van Amersfoort Racing have announced that they are set to continue their partnership with Rafael Villagómez, as he makes the step up to FIA Formula 2 for the 2024 season.

Villagómez joins having achieved multiple points finishes in his three years in Formula 3, including at the final round of the 2023 campaign in Monza. The 22-year-old also comes with experience in F2 machinery having completed the post-season test for the team last year at Yas Marina.

This means the Mexican driver is set to race in Van Amersfoort colours for the fourth consecutive season having competed for the Dutch outfit in 2021 at the Euroformula Open Championship, and in the following two years in Formula 3.

Speaking following the announcement, Villagómez could hardly contain his excitement, believing that his experience with the team would be of great benefit to both parties.

“I am very excited to step up to F2,” said Villagómez. “I am ready for this next level up. The dynamics coming from an F2 car are overly impressive, but I grew great confidence after a successful post-season test in Abu Dhabi last year.

“The test has proven to both myself and the people around me that F2 is the right category for me to further develop myself as a driver. The team and I know each other very well, which will only be of great benefit to all of us. I look very much forward to continuing our journey together and getting the season started.”

Van Amersfoort CEO Rob Niessink was just as thrilled for the team to continue their partnership with Villagómez, who he believes is ready for this next step.

“As a team, we always aim for long-term cooperation with our drivers,” said Niessink. “The benefits of such a long-term relationship are extremely valuable and will help Rafael to progress at a high pace, as his experience in F3 will do of course.

“As a result of his unparalleled determination, we’ve seen Rafael grow and mature strongly as a driver and he is ready for this next challenge. We are fully committed to offering him our continuous support, especially in this exciting next chapter of his racing career.”

This completes Van Amersfoort’s line-up for the 2024 season, with Villagómez set to race alongside experienced F2 race winner Enzo Fittipaldi.