Dutchman Szymkowiak joins Max at Van Amersfoort Racing

Published on 10 March 2014 by Stefan Meens

Max Verstappen is joined by a Dutch team mate for his first Formula 3 season. Jules Szymkowiak from the town of Obbicht, will be driving a Dallara-Volkswagen for the renowned Van Amersfoort Racing team, in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship. Thus, the 18-year old is making a further step in his sporting career. So far, he gained experience in go-karts and the Formula BMW Talent Cup. 

"I am well aware that this is a big step, but when you don't set ambitious goals for yourself, you are getting nowhere", Szymkowiak says. Team owner Frits van Amersfoort is convinced of Szymkowiak's abilities. "He is eager to learn and develops well. Working with him during the first test days was a very pleasant experience and we are looking forward to a good season!"

Jules Szymkowiak started competing in motorcross while still at primary school, but after a serious accident, doctors made it clear to him that continuing wouldn't really be sensible. "As a result, I opted for karting, which was safer", he says with a smile. "Although I have to admit that I was too eager a few times in karting as well and also got a few bruises. However, I have learned from such experiences, too." 

In 2012, graduation to karts with gearshift was the next step. This went very well, too, so that Szymkowiak was selected to take part in the Formula BMW Talent Cup in the 2013 season. He completed an extensive development program, winning eight races, and scoring one second place and two third places. "It soon was clear for me that Formula 3 is the category in which I wanted to be", the 18-year-old says. "So far, I have made a next step every year, so Formula 3 is a logical choice from that point of view as well. So far, I have already completed eight days of testing: two days at Silverstone, four days at Barcelona and two days at Valencia, and that went really well. A Formula 3 car is a fantastic car to drive and physically, I was very well able to cope with it, too."

German Formula 1 driver Adrian Sutil is supporting Jules Szymkowiak as a consultant and a coach. "I am often training together with Adrian and recently, I travelled with him to the Formula 1 test at Jerez", the Dutchman says. "This year is Adrian's first with Sauber in Formula 1 while I am in my first season with Van Amersfoort Racing in Formula 3. We have both said that a position in the top eight in the final championship standings is our goal. Certainly, that is ambitious, but you need something you can focus on!"