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The 2026 FIA Formula 2 grid is now complete with the announcement that Rafael Villagómez will continue with Van Amersfoort Racing, marking the Mexican driver's third consecutive season in the category and extending an increasingly productive relationship that stretches back five years. The continuity represents a significant statement of intent from both driver and team, with Villagómez entering 2026 on the back of his most impressive campaign to date in the junior single-seater ranks.
Villagómez's 2025 season was defined by tangible progress. The 24-year-old achieved two podium finishes—breakthrough moments that had eluded him during his maiden Formula 2 campaign in 2024. His first podium came courtesy of an eye-catching drive from 22nd position in the Sprint Race at Barcelona, where a late safety car shuffle allowed him to capitalise on fresher tyres and storm through the field to secure third place. He replicated that form in the Middle East, adding a second podium at Lusail.
Beyond the headline-grabbing sprint race results, Villagómez demonstrated genuine consistency in the championship's Feature Races—the true litmus test of driver development. He secured fourth place at Monza, sixth in Abu Dhabi, and seventh in Baku, showcasing improved single-lap pace and race-craft that had been lacking during his inaugural season, when he managed only 13 points and a 24th-place finish.
The decision to extend Villagómez's contract reflects the tangible improvements both he and Van Amersfoort Racing have made together. Team Principal Brad Joyce highlighted the significance of the driver's evolution, stating: "Over the past seasons, he's shown strong commitment and a clear step forward in performance. The podiums in Barcelona and Qatar were defining moments, but more importantly, they reflect the progress we've made together."
This partnership has become one of the most enduring in the current grid. Villagómez has raced for the Dutch team since 2021, beginning in Euroformula Open before progressing through Formula 3 and into Formula 2—a structured pathway that emphasises continuity and long-term development over constant roster upheaval.
With 43 points accumulated in 2025 and a 14th-place finish in the Drivers' Championship, Villagómez enters 2026 with realistic expectations for improvement. The next logical step would be to convert his emerging race pace into sustained podium contention, potentially targeting top-ten championship finishes and establishing himself as a regular front-runner in Formula 2's increasingly competitive environment.
Villagómez himself expressed his determination to capitalise on the foundation built: "Together with the team, we finished the season strongly which gives me great confidence heading into the new year. I can't wait to get back on track, and work with the team to achieve even stronger results in the upcoming season."
As Van Amersfoort Racing finalises its 2026 roster, the retention of Villagómez signals a team committed to nurturing talent through multi-year partnerships—an increasingly rare philosophy in modern motorsport where driver markets pivot on year-to-year performance metrics.
He’s a software engineer with a deep passion for Formula 1 and motorsport. He co-founded Formula Live Pulse to make live telemetry and race insights accessible, visual, and easy to follow.
