Written by Sophie Harvey and Ellie Nicholls
Welcome to Feeder Series Recap, your weekly series bringing you the best of driver announcements from the world of Formula 2, Formula 3, as well as F1 Academy. With new names taking to full-time F1 Academy seats for 2025, and a raft of new faces enter the final two weekends of F2, Ellie and Sophie guide you through the news you need to know....
Haas-newcomer Courtney Crone to join next year’s F1 Academy grid
After narrowly missing out on a point-scoring finish during her wildcard debut, 23-year-old Courtney Crone will become a familiar face in 2025. Representing Haas and driving with the ART squad, the American is the second wildcard to be promoted to a full-time seat in the series.
Having previously raced in LMP3 prototypes, speedway motorcycles and even USAC Midget, Crone is well-versed in the world of motorsport. Most recently, she has been competing in the Lamborghini Super Trofeo North American Championship with Forte Racing.
Crone has also picked up numerous accolades during her career so far, such as winning the 2023/2024 IMSA Diverse Driver Development scholarship and the 2021 Gorsline Company Scholarship.
“I’m incredibly honoured to be joining the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team for the 2025 F1 ACADEMY season. Representing America’s F1 team is a dream come true, and I’m beyond grateful for this opportunity,” Crone expressed. “Ever since I competed with the F1 ACADEMY at the Miami Grand Prix as a Wild Card entrant, it’s been a goal of mine to race full-time in the series.
Team Principal of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, Ayao Komatsu, stated: “I’m delighted to welcome Courtney to the MoneyGram Haas F1 Team family. As F1 ACADEMY approaches the crescendo of its first season racing on the Formula 1 calendar, it’s been astonishing to see the increased interest and popularity of the category - that’s testament to the hard work put in by Susie Wolff and the F1 ACADEMY team.”
“Courtney is an ambitious and dedicated racer, something that when looking for an ambassador for our team was crucial.”
Alba Hurup Larsen to represent Tommy Hilfiger in 2025
Joining forces with designer brand Tommy Hilfiger, Alba Hurup Larsen will represent the F1 Academy partner in the coming season — taking to the track in a striking red, blue and white livery.
Having made her single-seater debut in the Indian F4 Championship earlier this year, Hurup Larsen has already made a name for herself; the 16-year-old won the 2023 ‘Girls On Track — Rising Stars’ programme, going from lockdown karter to F4 racer in just a handful of years.
Speaking out on the news, she said: “I’m deeply honored that Tommy has entrusted me to fly his flag in the F1 ACADEMY. Having this support at such a pivotal stage in my career means the world to me. I’m excited to represent the Tommy Hilfiger brand as we dream big, show what’s possible and drive change.”
Susie Wolff went on to add: "We are proud to have Tommy Hilfiger as an Official Partner. As an inaugural partner to F1 ACADEMY and a true first mover in blending lifestyle and motorsport, Tommy Hilfiger’s globally renowned brand values, commitment to innovation, and passion for driving change closely match our own. "
Cian Shields to join AIX Racing for remainder of Formula 2 season
Cian Shields steps up to Formula 2 for the final two races of the 2024 season, replacing Niels Koolen at AIX Racing for Qatar and Abu Dhabi.
The British driver most recently competed in Formula 3 this year, finishing 30th with a best result of 14th across the season.
Prior to this, Shields competed in GB3, finishing 13th in 2022, and Euroformula Open, finishing as runner-up with four wins and ten podiums across the 2023 season.
“I’m super excited to be joining AIX Racing for the final two rounds of the FIA Formula 2 Championship,” shared Shields, following the announcement, “I’m looking forward to this fantastic opportunity and I’m ready to make an impact with the team, giving it everything in these last races.”
Leonardo Fornaroli to race for Rodin Motorsport in Abu Dhabi
This year’s Formula 3 Champion Leonardo Fornaroli will make his Formula 2 debut in the final round of the 2024 season, replacing the Formula E-bound Zane Maloney at Rodin Motorsport.
Despite not taking a win across the 2024 Formula Three season, the Italian driver’s impressive consistency and strong form across the year allowed him to clinch the title - with seven podiums to his name and a lowest finish of 12th.
Benn Huntingford, team manager at Rodin Motorsport, shared that the team have confidence in Fornaroli after his performance this year.
“It’s great to welcome Leo to the team for the final round of the season,” said Huntingford, “It’s going to be a step up for him, but we’ve seen what he can do in Formula 3, and we’re confident he’ll adapt quickly and perform well.”
Fornaroli has already signed with Invicta for the 2025 Formula 2 season, but will make his debut with Rodin Motorsport at Abu Dhabi this year, gaining valuable experience behind the wheel ahead of his rookie season.
“I’m very grateful to be able to do the last round of the F2 Championship with Rodin Motorsport, who are such a good team in the series,” expressed Fornaroli, about the opportunity, “It will be a big challenge for me because this is my first time in the F2 car without any practice.
“I have a lot to learn. But I can’t wait for it, and I’m looking forward to being behind the wheel in Abu Dhabi!”
John Bennett steps up to F2 with Van Amersfoort Racing
DIVEBOMB-partnered driver John Bennett will contest the final two races of the 2024 Formula 2 season, replacing the outgoing Enzo Fittipaldi at Van Amersfoort Racing.
After finishing runner-up in this year’s GB3 Championship, Bennett completed post-season Formula Three testing with the Dutch team in Jerez and Barcelona, producing consistently impressive times across all of the sessions.
VAR team principal Brad Joyce praised the British driver’s strong form during the testing, particularly noting how quickly Bennett was able to adapt to the machinery.
Speaking following the announcement, Bennett said: “Thank you so much to VAR for the trust they have put in me with this opportunity. Earlier this year, I was able to take part in the F3 tests with [the team] and they went very well. The team and I feel that I am ready to take the next step in F2, and I can’t wait for the new challenge.”
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