Photo: Jakob Ebrey Photography
GB3 runner-up John Bennett will make the step up to Formula 2 for the final two rounds of this season with Van Amersfoort Racing.
Bennett has spent three years in GB3 after beginning his car racing career in the Ginetta GT5 Challenge, where he was second in the standings in 2021 with Elite Motorsport.
He remained with Elite for his first GB3 season in 2022 and was eighth in the points with one podium finish, and a switch to Rodin Carlin the following season yielded one more podium and 10th overall. The 21-year-old’s form dramatically improved after moving to JHR Developments for 2024, scoring thee poles, three wins and eight other podiums to remain in title contention until the deciding race.
Bennett then joined VAR for last month’s post-season FIA Formula 3 test, and will now make a further step on the single-seater ladder by making his F2 debut this weekend at the Losail circuit. He will take over the seat vacated by Enzo Fittipaldi.
“Thank you so much to VAR for the trust they have put in me with this opportunity,” said Bennett. “Earlier this year, I was able to take part in the F3 tests with VAR, and they went very well.
“The team and I feel that I am ready to take the next step in F2 and I can’t wait for the new challenge. This will be a big step up for myself, but I will be looking to learn as much as possible from these two rounds and achieve solid results with the team.”
“We’re excited to give John the opportunity to make his F2 debut in the final two rounds of the season,” added VAR’s team principal Brad Joyce. “His journey in motorsport reflects the talent and determination we value at VAR. John has shown impressive skill and maturity, particularly during the post-season F3 tests, where he quickly adapted to the car and demonstrated strong pace.
“This ability to adapt quickly combined with John’s professionalism has shown the team he’s ready for the challenge. We believe this move will be an important step in his development, and we’re proud to provide him with the platform to challenge himself at this level.”