Home » “I’m 24, but they treat me like I’m 58” – Feeder Series

“I’m 24, but they treat me like I’m 58” – Feeder Series

by Marcus Lee
"I'm 24, but they treat me like I'm 58" – Feeder Series

Richard Verschoor’s Journey in Formula 2: Aiming for the Title

Richard Verschoor is currently in his fifth season of competing in Formula 2, and this year marks a significant turning point as he finds himself in a strong position for the championship title. After completing ten rounds of the season, the veteran driver is only 19 points shy of the championship leader, Leonardo Fornaroli. Earlier this year, Verschoor shared his thoughts on the 2025 season and addressed the discussions surrounding his prolonged tenure in the series.

Early Career and Challenges

Verschoor’s path to the forefront of Formula 2 has not been straightforward. He made his debut in the series back in 2021, where he ended the season ranked 11th in the standings. His journey began with MP Motorsport, a team he had raced with for five consecutive years across various series, including Formula 3 and the Formula Renault Eurocup. However, the relationship with MP Motorsport ended prematurely that season, as he departed the team with two rounds remaining. He returned for the final race in Abu Dhabi, stepping in for the injured Enzo Fittipaldi at Charouz Racing System, before transitioning to a full-time position at Trident in 2022.

His first full season with Trident saw him secure a victory at the Bahrain season opener, yet he concluded the year in 12th place overall. In 2023, Verschoor raced with Van Amersfoort Racing, finishing ninth before rejoining Trident for the majority of the 2024 season. He made a brief return to MP Motorsport for the last two rounds of 2024, achieving podium finishes in both Lusail and Abu Dhabi, which set the stage for his full season with MP Motorsport in 2025.

Reflecting on his decision to join MP Motorsport, Verschoor expressed satisfaction, stating, “I’m very happy to have made the decision to join them. It felt like coming home from the beginning.” He emphasized the importance of this partnership, noting that it has led to significant improvements in his performance and results. However, Verschoor also acknowledged that there is still room for growth and development.

Recent Performance and Title Contention

Our discussion with Verschoor took place just before the Silverstone weekend, a time when he was grappling with a challenging performance phase. Following three disappointing rounds where he managed to accumulate only 21 points, he took to LinkedIn to express his frustration, stating, “The last few weekends didn’t meet my goals or expectations.” This candid admission illustrates the pressures and high standards that come with competing at this level.

Despite a rocky stretch, Verschoor’s strong start to the 2025 season has positioned him as a contender for the championship, even after a setback in Austria at the Spielberg round. At the season’s midpoint, he had been leading the standings with a 24-point advantage. Although he has since dropped to third place behind Fornaroli and Jak Crawford, he remains firmly in contention as the series approaches its summer break.

The Impact of Experience

Verschoor’s victory at Spielberg not only helped him reclaim the championship lead but also highlighted the significance of his extensive experience in the series. As he surpassed Ralph Boschung to become the driver with the most career F2 starts, questions have arisen about his prolonged stay in the category. Some critics have suggested that at 24 years old, he should be exploring other racing opportunities instead of remaining in a junior series.

When asked about these criticisms, Verschoor offered a thoughtful response. “People are allowed to have their own opinions,” he acknowledged. “I also have my own opinions about certain things, and some people are happy to speak about it [in] every single Instagram, Facebook or Twitter post that they see. I cannot blame them. If they want to do that, it’s fine for me. In the end, I’m 24 – they’re acting like I’m 58.”

He further elaborated on the evolving landscape of racing, noting that younger drivers are entering the sport at earlier ages. “Looking back two or three years ago, it was very normal to be in F2 at 22, 23, or 24. If I compare it to my karting days, I was the youngest competitor at 15, racing against individuals aged 18 to 26. Nowadays, that same category is filled with 13- and 14-year-olds.”

Verschoor emphasized that while his experience is beneficial, it does not overshadow the need for consistent performance. “My experience helps me, I’m not denying that at all,” he stated. “But at the end of the day, you still have to perform.”

Aiming for the Future

Verschoor is also acutely aware of the perceptions surrounding his career trajectory. “I understand that critics see this as a junior series aimed at reaching Formula 1,” he mentioned. “However, I am focused on competing at the highest level available. In the past two years, I have often felt that I couldn’t showcase my true potential.”

He highlighted the challenges faced by drivers with limited financial backing, stating, “As someone without significant budget support, it’s quite difficult to progress in my career as a professional driver. I couldn’t buy my way into another seat, which makes me incredibly grateful for the opportunity with MP Motorsport.”

Looking Beyond Formula 2

As the landscape of motorsport evolves, many drivers from Formula 2 have successfully transitioned to other racing disciplines. Notable examples include Marcus Armstrong and Christian Lundgaard, who have made their mark in IndyCar, while others like Dan Ticktum and Zane Maloney have ventured into Formula E. There are also numerous drivers who have shifted their focus to sports car racing, such as the World Endurance Championship.

Despite these potential paths, Verschoor’s primary objective for the 2025 season remains clear: to win the Formula 2 championship. “That’s my main focus for now,” he asserted. He acknowledged that while he is open to exploring other opportunities, his aspirations are firmly rooted in achieving success within Formula 2.

“I would be foolish to say that Formula 1 isn’t my dream,” he admitted. “That’s why I entered Formula 2 in the first place. Yet, I also understand the reality of the situation; the chances of making that leap aren’t incredibly high. But that doesn’t diminish my desire to seize any opportunity that may come my way.”

Conclusion

Richard Verschoor’s journey through the ranks of Formula 2 has been characterized by tenacity, resilience, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As he competes for the championship title in 2025, he remains focused on maximizing his potential while navigating the challenges and opportunities that come with being a professional driver. His story serves as a testament to the evolving nature of motorsport, where experience and ambition play crucial roles in shaping a successful career.

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