Veteran driver Richard Verschoor returns to familiar territory, with MP Motorsport, in what he describes as his “best opportunity yet.” The Dutch team, which finished third in the Teams’ Championship with 220.5 points last year, has assembled a line up combining Verschoor’s experience with Oliver Goethe’s youthful potential for their 2025 campaign.
A Homecoming
Verschoor’s relationship with MP Motorsport spans nearly a decade, dating back to his earliest days in single-seater racing. The Dutchman’s career with the team began in spectacular fashion when he won the Spanish F4 Championship with them in 2016, and their partnership has thrived across multiple categories since.
When asked by Pit Debrief on what makes MP Motorsport such a good fit for him, Verschoor emphasised the depth of their connection. “I’ve had a big history with MP. I think six or seven years I drove with them.”
“It’s very nice to know all the people, and that definitely helps me to get up to pace with them very quickly. I think that showed as well in Qatar and Abu Dhabi. I’m just looking forward to get them to know even better.”
“There’s some different people inside the team which I didn’t know yet, but so far it has been great. And yeah, I’m looking forward to getting started in Melbourne.”
This reunion represents more than just nostalgia, as Verschoor and MP Motorsport have a proven winning pedigree, most notably at the prestigious 2019 Macau Grand Prix where they emerged victorious.
A strong return to MP Motorsport
Verschoor rejoined MP Motorsport for the final two rounds of the 2024 season and immediately demonstrated their combined potential, securing podium finishes in both Qatar and Abu Dhabi. This impressive return cemented his decision to continue in Formula 2 for another season.
“To be honest, getting the chance with MP is also the reason why I’m doing another season of Formula 2,” Verschoor revealed when asked if this represented his best chance in the series.
“Obviously the last few years I’ve struggled a bit, has been a bit up and down, but then I got the opportunity to sign with MP Motorsport for the 2025 season, and I think it’s a great step forward for me.”
“The team is very professional. I could feel straight away a big difference once I joined MP in Qatar, so yeah, I think that’s very exciting for me. Definitely the best opportunity I’ve had so far, and yeah, I’m just really looking forward to being with them.”
Experience as an asset
Heading into his fifth Formula 2 season, Verschoor brings a wealth of experience that could prove crucial in a championship battle. His extensive knowledge of the Pirelli tyres, circuit specifics, and race management gives MP Motorsport a solid foundation to build upon.
When questioned about how his approach has evolved and whether his experience provides an advantage, Verschoor was reflective, saying, “Well, for sure, my experience will definitely help me.”
“I think that also together with the team, as I said, I know them quite well because I drove with them before. I did quite a few races now in Formula 2 and I think tyre saving, for example, is a very big factor in Formula 2, which will definitely help me.”
However, the Dutchman also acknowledges areas where he aims to improve. “I think in qualifying, there’s many drivers on the grid that can do a quick lap. So even when you have a lot of experience, it’s all about that one moment where you perform,” he explained.
“I’m really looking forward to improve that aspect because I think it hasn’t been my strongest the last two years. But yeah, I’m looking forward to use my experience and hopefully do very well on that side.”
The partnership between Verschoor and rookie teammate Oliver Goethe creates an intriguing dynamic within MP Motorsport. While Verschoor brings years of Formula 2 experience, Goethe offers fresh perspective, having competed in the final four rounds of the 2024 season after stepping up from Formula 3.
The post-season test demonstrated that both drivers can extract performance from the MP Motorsport package, with their complementary strengths potentially giving the team a balanced approach to the championship.
Is a championship win on the cards?
MP Motorsport has set themselves up well for 2025 with this driver pairing. Verschoor’s familiarity with both the team and the series, combined with his recent podium finishes, suggests he could be a genuine title contender if the team maintains their strong form from last season.
“I could feel straight away a big difference once I joined MP in Qatar,” Verschoor noted. This immediate connection bodes well for their championship aspirations as they head to Melbourne for the season opener.
If MP Motorsport can build on their impressive 2024 performance—where they finished third in the Teams’ Championship with 220.5 points—the Dutch team might well have a shot at both the Drivers’ and Teams’ Championships in 2025 with their familiar line up of Verschoor and Goethe.
