John Bennett to replace outgoing Enzo Fittipaldi for remainder of season at VAR

Credit: James Sutton

Another change for the grid for the final two rounds of the Formula 2 season, is seeing Enzo Fittipaldi being replaced by British driver John Bennett at Van Amersfoort Racing (VAR), the team have confirmed.

Fittipaldi will bow out to go and test Indycars with McLaren and will leave the sport after completing almost three full seasons in the championship. The multiple race winner will step aside for British driver John Bennett, who will make a big step up the feeder series ladder, for the two remaining rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

Bennett, 21, is to drive with Van Amersfoort Racing for the remainder of the 2024 Formula 2 season, after impressing Van Amersfoort with his performance in their car, across the FIA Formula 3 post-season testing in Jerez and Barcelona. 

This was announced on Tuesday (November 26) by the team and Formula 2 media, who would announce that Bennett would replace Fittipaldi and he would be replaced by Mexican racer Rafael Villagomez, who has competed in every round of his rookie season so far.

Speaking on the hiring of Bennett and the replacing of Enzo Fittipaldi, for the remaining rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi, Van Amersfoort Team Principal Brad Joyce spoke to Formula 2 media.

Joyce said: "We're excited to give John the opportunity to make his Formula 2 debut in the final two rounds of the season. 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." 

Bennett has had a stellar 2024 after finishing runners' up in the GB3 Championship partnered by the BRDC - only missing out on the title to eventual champion Louis Sharp. Bennett has also made appearances in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine (FRECA) as well as the post-season Formula 3 tests in Spain.

Speaking to Formula 2 media, on being signed by Van Amersfoort, Bennett said: "Thank you so much to VAR for the trust they have put in me with this opportunity. 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 up to 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."

Bennett will kick start action in his Formula 2 career, with free practice at the Lusail International Circuit on November 29.

Brandon Whiteside
Writer - F1 Journal