Richard Verschoor, one of the fresh additions to McLaren’s young driver program after the Abu Dhabi season finale, has shared insights into his bold interaction with team principal Zak Brown in the paddock, which led to his move to the Woking-based team.
The 25-year-old Dutch racer has navigated his way through junior racing without the support of a Formula One academy. Over five years in Formula Two, Verschoor secured victories each season despite the absence of a clear path to the top tier of European open-wheel racing.
Following an impressive season with four wins that put him in the title chase in 2025, Verschoor finished third overall behind Leonardo Fornaroli and Jak Crawford. McLaren then signed both him and F2 champion Fornaroli to their young driver lineup.
In an interview with the F2 website, Verschoor recounted the pivotal moment when he approached Zak Brown, stating, “Once I saw Zak, I decided to walk up to him. I went without anyone telling me to do so, without any idea of what it could bring, and look what it brought.”
Despite long-term contracts for Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, a Formula One promotion may seem unlikely for Verschoor. However, opportunities within McLaren’s IndyCar and World Endurance Championship teams remain open for the Utrecht-born driver.
Optimistic about inspiring young racers, Verschoor emphasized the importance of determination, saying, “I hope people see that if you really want something and you go all in, it’s possible.”
With a chance to participate in McLaren’s young driver FP1 sessions in 2026, Verschoor could follow in the footsteps of Alex Dunne and Pato O’Ward, who fulfilled those roles in 2025.