This morning’s F3 Sprint may have been a short one, but it was a sweet treat for the Netherlands-based team. The Van Amersfoort Racing drivers – Bruno Del Pino and Enzo Deligny – crossed the chequered flag in P1 and P2, producing an incredible result for the team in the first race of the season.
Read ahead to find out what Del Pino and Deligny had to say after this morning’s Sprint Race.
Mindset Whilst Battling a Teammate
It is all smiles at VAR, with both drivers speaking highly of each other’s performance and friendship off the track. While a driver will always dwell on how they hoped to be the one on the top step, there is always mutual respect between teammates. And that respect is ever-present between Del Pino and Deligny.
“Every driver wants to win on track. So, you know, I’m happy for him to win. But, you know, inside, I kind of wanted to win as well…But off the track, we’re really good friends. And in the workshop in Amsterdam, we work very hard, very well, very professionally, too.” – Enzo Deligny on finishing P2 behind teammate Bruno Del Pino
When in the car, a driver’s mentality will always be honed in on that number one trophy, and the maximum points that come with it. A momentary lapse in recognition of their team goal may have been what caused the collision between PREMA’s James Wharton and Louis Sharp. But for VAR, despite starting on the front row together, the drivers produced a clean race and made sure to fulfil their main goals – to bring VAR to the front of the field in 2026.
“We’ve been really good friends for a long time… Inside the track, we want to beat each other. Outside the track, we’re working towards the same goal, which is bringing Van Amersfoort forward” – Bruno Del Pino
Enzo’s Maiden Podium in First F3 Race
Deligny produced an amazing result, finishing second on the podium, in only his first race in Formula 3. He had hoped to get past Del Pino, but with the tricky overtaking opportunities at Albert Park, that wish didn’t come to fruition. However, Deligny was more than happy to come away with points and joked about the struggles of being stuck behind his teammate.
“Yeah, obviously, it means a lot. I’d be pretty disappointed to travel almost 24 hours and not get some points. So, I’m pretty happy to go back home with some points…But, yeah, I would have also liked to win. But, you know, Bruno’s pretty quick. And without the DRS, it was hard to do anything…Obviously, it’s still a good result. And my whole team is happy. So, I’m quite happy as well.”
Looking Ahead
Whilst both drivers are feeling confident after today’s race, they are wary that it is still the first race of the season. There are more races to come in 2026, but the hopes for a championship title do stick in the back of their minds. Del Pino shared his hopes for the season, but also highlighted the importance of being consistent regardless of what is going on elsewhere on track.
“The win, it’s good. You’re always thinking in the skies a bit. But yeah…I think there’s still a lot of work to be done. And I’ll take it race by race … Trying to be consistent, and then just try and maximise also from others’ mistakes, that’s where also will be a difference towards the end of the championship.”
Deligny shared a similar statement, with a confident but hopeful outlook on his aspirations for the rest of the season.
“I’m second in the championship right now. So if I could finish there, defend my position, that would be obviously a good year. But obviously, still early days, so still some work to do. But definitely a good start.”
Both Del Pino and Deligny will be out on track tomorrow at 8:50 am local time for the Feature Race. The drivers will be starting from where they finished in Qualifying yesterday – Deligny in 11th, and Del Pino in 12th.
Feature Image Credit: Formula 3