Impressive single-seater debut in 2018 and a next big career move in 2019: Niklas Krütten (16, Germany) is to continue his motorsport career in the ADAC Formula 4 series but will this time be competing as a squad member of the long-established Dutch outfit, Van Amersfoort Racing. The Zeewolde-based team have announced that the 16-year-old will be contesting both the ADAC Formula 4 and its Italian equivalent in 2019. The first three races of the fifth ADAC Formula 4 season will be hosted by Oschersleben on the weekend of 26th - 28th April. The ADAC High Speed Academy will be staging seven race weekends in 2019, with the season finale scheduled for the end of September at the Sachsenring.

"With the support of Van Amersfoort, I am convinced that I can take a major step forward," says Krütten. "I just can't wait for the new season to begin." The teenager from Trier graduated from karting to the ADAC Formula 4 in 2018, joining the ADAC Berlin-Brandenburg e.V. squad run by the Berlin-based Mücke team. Things went well for the newcomer right from the start. On his way to lifting the Best Rookie runner-up trophy, he finished first in class on six occasions and gave the ultimate winner of the junior title, David Schumacher (17, Germany, US Racing CHRS), a run for his money right through to the last race weekend.

The high point of his personal season came with overall victory in the fourth-to-last race on the calendar at the Nürburgring, when he outclassed the two Brazilians Gianluca Petecof and Enzo Fittipaldi, grandson of the former world champion. And eighth place in the overall standings was a more than satisfactory outcome to his debut season.

"After such a good season in 2018, I can look forward to next year with confidence. I think I have what it takes to be even more competitive next time round." Krütten's first experience behind the wheel came at the age of eight when he began competing on the karting circuit where he won numerous titles.

The first test results with Van Amersfoort Racing have been promising. "Niklas has made good progress in every test we have completed so far," says a well-pleased VAR CEO Rob Niessink. "He has impressed us in terms of commitment, and it's great fun working with him. Obviously, competing in two series in parallel is a big challenge, but it's one we are confident we can handle."