Photo: ACI Sport
Hiyu Yamakoshi will take another step up the single-seater ladder with Van Amersfoort Racing in 2026 when he races in FIA Formula 3 with the team.
It will the 18-year-old Japanese driver’s third year in three different categories with VAR. He came third in Italian Formula 4 with the team in 2024, having scored two race wins, and took another two victories on his way to fourth in Euro 4.
That was his second year racing F4 machinery, having begun 2023 with two rounds in F4 United Arab Emirates for Pinnacle VAR before taking on a full season in French F4 – finishing fifth – and a partial campaign in in Spanish F4 with Tecnicar.
This year he has moved up to the Formula Regional European Championship with VAR. He finished second in race two at Spa-Francorchamps and the second race at Zandvoort as part of a run of nine consecutive points finishes to start the season. He is currently eighth in the championship with two rounds remaining. His year has also included outings in FRegional Middle East with Pinnacle and GB3 with Hillspeed.
“First of all, I would like to say thank you to everyone who gave me this opportunity,” Yamakoshi said. “This will be my third year working with VAR which I think is going to be really helpful for my first FIA F3 season. I can’t wait for my F3 tests and I’m already very excited to get my F3 race weekend. See you at our first official test at Jerez.”
Yamakoshi is the second driver that VAR has confirmed for its 2026 F3 line-up, joining Jesse Carrasquedo.
“We’re pleased to continue our journey with Hiyu as he steps up to FIA Formula 3,” said team principal Brad Joyce.
“He’s been great to work with so far, a hard worker with a professional approach, and we’re confident he will adjust well to this next step on the international stage. The upcoming tests will be his first chance to get behind the wheel of the F3 machinery and lay the groundwork for a strong season ahead. We’re looking forward to supporting his development and are confident we can achieve great results together.”