Hiyu Yamakoshi is set to take his first step into Formula 2. The young Japanese driver will fill the Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR) seat at the upcoming Azerbaijan round in Baku, replacing Nico Varrone. The move marks another leap in Yamakoshi’s steady rise through the junior categories.
For Hiyu Yamakoshi, this debut is more than just a promotion. At just 19 years old, he has already shown flashes of maturity in Formula 3 this season. One pole position and three podiums—the last of which came in the Monza Sprint Race—have propelled him into the top 10 of the standings in his rookie campaign. That record was enough to convince VAR he is ready for the far more competitive world of F2.
“I’m really happy to have this opportunity to make my Formula 2 debut with VAR. I’ve been part of the team since my F4 days, so stepping up to F2 together makes this moment truly special. I can’t wait to learn as much as possible over the weekend, working with the team and making the most of this experience,” Yamakoshi said in an official statement.
Van Amersfoort’s faith in Yamakoshi is not without reason. Team principal Brad Joyce noted that the Japanese driver has made significant progress this season and possesses a rapid ability to adapt. “We are pleased to offer Hiyu the opportunity to debut in Formula 2 in Baku. He has made remarkable progress this season and demonstrated his pace in F3, securing several standout results in his debut year. Having worked with Hiyu for three years, we know his approach and his capacity to learn well. It will be a new challenge for him, and we look forward to working together over the weekend,” Joyce commented.
The decision also means Nico Varrone’s stint with VAR in F2 comes to an early end. Joyce did not forget to express his gratitude to the Argentine driver. “At the same time, we want to thank Nico for his work with the team this season. He has been a valuable member of our F2 lineup and we greatly appreciated his presence. Coming from sports car racing, the switch to Formula 2 was a significant change, but Nico adapted very well to the demands of single-seaters. He embraced the challenge and showed he could adjust to Formula 2 in a very short time. We wish him the best in the next steps of his career,” he added.
Yamakoshi’s debut in Baku will be a stern test. The Azerbaijan street circuit is notorious for being narrow, fast, and unforgiving. For a driver who has never raced an F2 car, the pressure in qualifying and the race will be immense. However, his F3 record—especially his ability to secure pole on a track that demands precision—is a valuable asset. VAR will be hoping Yamakoshi can use this momentum to gather data and experience, rather than simply filling an empty seat.
Interestingly, this debut also highlights VAR’s development pipeline. Yamakoshi is a product of the team’s academy, having progressed step by step from F4 to F3, and now F2. If he can deliver a solid performance in Baku, it is not impossible that a full-time F2 seat for next season could open up. For now, his focus is clear: learn quickly, stay away from the walls, and prove that Van Amersfoort’s trust is well placed.
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