Dutch racer Esmee Kosterman is set for her British F4 debut with JHR Developments at Silverstone this weekend.
The 20-year-old from Wijk bij Duurstede in the Netherlands began karting at the age of eight, securing several podium finishes before being selected to participate in the FIA Women in Motorsport – Girls on Track: Rising Stars programme.
Among 20 promising young racers, Esmee was one of just 12 drivers chosen to attend a three-day training camp at Circuit Paul Ricard. Her performance impressed the judges, earning her a place among the top eight who advanced to the next stage at the prestigious Winfield Racing School, where she had her first experience of Formula 4 machinery.
Building on that momentum, Esmee joined the Knac Nationale Autosport Federatie (KNAF) Academy, which supports Dutch motorsport talent across four progressive levels. Transitioning into car racing via the Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup Benelux, she became the first woman to win in the series. In 2023, she finished second in the Junior Cup and third in the overall standings.
Esmee has since broadened her experience across multiple disciplines. She claimed a podium finish during her first weekend in a Radical in the Supercar Challenge, competed in the BMW M2 Cup alongside the DTM, and participated in ice drifting in Sweden – all of which have helped to hone her racecraft and adaptability.
Last year, she was named Best Female Driver in the Lamera Cup and made her F4 debut at the Madras International Circuit in India, finishing within the top 11 in all four races across the weekend.
In British F4 with JHR this year, Esmee will compete at the Silverstone Grand Prix circuit, as well as Zandvoort, where she will benefit from passionate support on home soil.
Esmee Kosterman: “I am very excited to drive in F4. It is a little girl's dream to be here, and I have worked hard to gain my place in this car. I am a little nervous, as it will be a new experience, but I am looking forward to the races. Previously, I have raced in the Ford Fiesta Sprint Cup and Lamera Cup, where I completed a 26-hour race at Portimão, which is the longest race in the world! Zandvoort is a lovely track to drive, and I am really looking forward to racing there.”
Steven Hunter, JHR Team Principal: “We’re thrilled to welcome Esmee to the team. She’s shown great promise throughout her career so far, and her determination and varied experience will be a real asset. British F4 is a very competitive series, and we’re confident she’ll adapt quickly and continue to progress. We’re looking forward to seeing what she can achieve this at Silverstone and Zandvoort.”