50 years of Van Amersfoort Racing

For fifty years, Van Amersfoort Racing has guided young drivers on their way to the highest levels of motorsport. The exhibition KAMPIOENENMAKERS brings nine drivers together, each with a distinct place in this history. The cars show how talent develops, from the first laps in Formula Ford to steps toward Formula 2. Below you can learn more about the drivers featured in this exhibition.

Huub Rothengatter

Huub Rothengatter worked closely with Frits van Amersfoort in the early years. Two key phases within his career are central in the exhibition. The Formula Ford car marks a period shaped by drive and determination. The Formula 3 car shows a technical step forward that demanded much from both drivers and engineers. Together, these cars show the progress of a driver who reached international grids without major financial backing. Visitors experience the foundation of fifty years of talent development.

Marcel Albers

Marcel Albers was known for control, focus and calm racecraft. His pace in Formula Ford stood out from the start. The championship-winning car on display reflects a period in which Dutch drivers moved toward stronger international fields. The car shows the balance between speed and simplicity that made Formula Ford an important training ground. Visitors gain a clear impression of a promising driver with strong potential.

Jos Verstappen

Jos Verstappen moved from karting into motorsport with Van Amersfoort Racing. The car in the exhibition marks the beginning of a career familiar to many fans. The focus lies on clean lines, consistency and race control. The car shows a stage in which Jos reached a high level with limited experience. Visitors see an early foundation under many later achievements.

Tom Coronel

Tom Coronel brought energy and enthusiasm to his time with Van Amersfoort Racing. The car in the exhibition comes from a season in which he developed strongly within Formula 3. The car shows a phase shaped by technique, courage and consistent pace. Tom used this period to deepen his experience and moved forward to international fields. Visitors see a car that represents an important stage in his development and gives a clear impression of a driver who later became a familiar name in racing.

Bas Leinders

Bas Leinders grew into a reliable force in German Formula 3. The car in the exhibition comes from the year he secured the title. The focus lies on precision and a driving style with minimal errors. The car shows the step from national to international competition. Visitors experience a phase in which Bas worked with dedication on a career that many experts valued highly.

Max Verstappen

Max Verstappen completed his full Formula 3 season with Van Amersfoort Racing. The car in the exhibition is known for its speed and direct race response. Multiple wins underline a unique first year in motorsport. Visitors see an early moment in a career that gained global attention. The focus lies on race intent and a remarkable pace for a young driver.

Oliver Bearman

Oliver Bearman raced in Formula 4 with Van Amersfoort Racing and won titles in two countries. The car in the exhibition shows a driver with focus, discipline and strong race instincts. The car gives visitors a clear picture of rapid progress. This marks the beginning of a path toward higher classes in international motorsport.

Franco Colapinto

Franco Colapinto raced in Formula 3 with Van Amersfoort Racing and made an immediate impression. The car in the exhibition shows sharp qualifying speed, strong starts and consistent lap times. His season with VAR stands as a key step within the junior categories. Visitors see a driver with a fresh driving style and strong potential. The car highlights ambition and growth.

Dion Gowda

Dion Gowda raced in FRECA and advanced quickly during his rookie year. The car shows a combination of control, learning curve and discipline. Visitors experience a moment in which Dion reached new levels with limited experience. The car offers a clear view of a driver who built a strong position in a highly competitive field.