Marcus Armstrong is focused on the opportunities ahead as the start of the 2022 Formula 2 season approaches.
Armstong recently announced he would be leaving the Ferrari Driver Acadamy (FDA), taking a Formula 2 seat at Hitech Grand Prix.
The Kiwi has finished 13th in his last two seasons in the championship, making his debut in the series for ART Grand Prix in 2020 before moving to DAMS for the 2021 season.
Armstrong spoke to F1 Feeder Series about his exit from Ferrari and his goals for 2022.
“It wasn’t sudden, it was one of those things that where it was quite evident that there was no real Formula 1 future there seeing as they have those seats fairly tied up at the moment,” he said.
Callum Illot was a fellow FDA driver, who finished second in the 2020 Formula 2 series, has also announced he will not drive for the FDA this season, instead competing in the IndyCar championship.
Despite leaving the team, Armstong is focused on the positives and the opportunities that lay ahead.
“It wasn’t really a surprise, if anything we [Armstrong and Illot] knew it was going to happen. It’s quite a good thing going forward because it’s a new chapter and a new mindset not having any external pressure. It’s a positive thing.
“Certainly, I think it’s the right move for me and I feel it has come at the right time, obviously with the passing with Ferrari. All in all, I feel as if I have something to prove and feel that a lot of people do doubt me. I think Hitech offers the right environment and car for me to show what I can do.”
Armstrong now looks to take the lessons from his time with Ferrari into the coming Formula 2 season.
“It’s definitely one step at a time. I’ve sort of been in the F1 Ferrari circle for five years now and I understand how a big team like that operates. I know what they’re looking for and what they want out of us so I’m not in a rush to sign contracts anywhere else. I’m just interested in performing as well as I can.
“I do believe that if we do what we intend to do, the opportunities will arrive naturally.”
The Formula 2 season will get underway at Sakhir, March 18-20.
Main image: Michael Regan/Formula 2