Tag: Tommy Smith

Tommy Smith will be getting back behind the wheel for Van Amersfoort Racing in his sophomore FIA Formula 3 season next year.

The Australian driver experienced a challenging rookie campaign, but after positive showings during the three post-season tests and the Macau Grand Prix.

The 21 year old’s racing career began in the 2017 – 2018 New Zealand Formula 1600 Championship, achieving his first podium that same season.
Two consistent campaigns would follow in the Australian F4 Championship, achieving eighth and seventh in the Standings.

2021 saw Smith compete in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine, in addition to a three-round appearance in the GB3 Championship.
Sticking with GB3 for 2022, he secured 18 points-scoring finishes, including one victory at Spa-Francorchamps and a podium in the opening round.

Continuing with Van Amersfoort Racing for another year is an incredible opportunity. The team and I have had a great partnership so far, and I cannot wait to see what 2024 brings us. I’m eagerly waiting for the challenges ahead, and ready to give it my all for a great second season in FIA Formula 3.

Smith on the news.

Tommy is a great character to work with and we’re thrilled to extend our partnership for another season. With his rookie season behind him, 2024 will be the year where he can put his experience in the championship to use. We’re excited to see how he will perform next year.

Rob Niessink, CEO of Van Amersfoort Racing.

Tommy Smith will be making his Formula 3 debut for Van Amersfoort Racing next year, as the Dutch team confirms the Australian racer as their first signing for the 2023 campaign.

The 20 year old steps up off the back of his first full season in the GB3 Championship, where he took a maiden victory at Spa-Francorchamps.

A consistent performer, Smith would finish eighth and seventh in the standings across his two seasons in the Championship. Alongside this, he gained further experience in both the 2019 Toyota Racing Series and the F3 Asian CHampionship, finishing 10th in his sophomore Asian F3 campaign at the beginning of 2020.

After almost a year out, Smith dovetailed a full season in the Formula Regional European Championship by Alpine with a three round appearance in the GB3 Championship. Remaining in GB3 for the 2022 season, the Australian went on to achieve 18 points-scoring finishes in 24 races, including one victory and a further podium finish.

I am absolutely thrilled about this opportunity. Having raced in both FRECA and GB3 championships, stepping up to the FIA F3 feels like the right next move. I’m certainly aware that it will be a challenging season in which I will have to learn and adapt continuously, but I am convinced I am taking on this challenge with the right team. VAR’s achievements already in their first year competing in FIA F3 are a clear indicator of their level of commitment, and I look very much forward to get started with them and the championship!

Smith on his move to F3.

We are excited to have Tommy as part of our driver line-up. He is new to the FIA F3 Championship, but Tommy’s time spent in FRECA and GB3 will certainly help him to pick up quickly. Tommy is very eager to learn and quickly book progress. He showed this positive attitude already in the past and that will help both Tommy and the crew to jumpstart the season. We look very much forward to supporting him in this important next step of his career!

Rob Niessink, Van Amersfoort CEO.