Brad Benavides  is making moves in the motorsport world, shifting gears—literally—from the European racing scene to the U.S. in pursuit of an IndyCar career. The 22-year-old driver, who previously competed in FIA Formula 3 (2022) and FIA Formula 2 (2023), recently claimed victory in the 2024 Euroformula Open Championship. But instead of continuing down the Formula 1 feeder series route, he’s now eyeing IndyCar, starting with USF Pro 2000 before working his way up to Indy NXT.

Racing Roots: A Global Foundation

Benavides, born in Florida but with a strong European racing background, has spent years on some of the world’s most prestigious circuits. Now, with this career pivot, he’s testing himself on American tracks, which demand a different kind of racing craft. Unlike the structured ladder to F1, IndyCar offers a more open playing field—where talent, adaptability, and strategy can sometimes matter more than deep-pocketed sponsorships.

A New Challenge: Adapting to American Racing

His switch to IndyCar-style racing isn’t just about geography—it’s a whole new style of competition. European racing, particularly in Formula 2 and Formula 3, is built around technical precision, high-downforce cars, and circuits that reward calculated overtaking. Meanwhile, American open-wheel racing is a mix of high-speed ovals, tight street circuits, and road courses that demand a different kind of adaptability. It’s a bold move, but not an unheard-of one. Plenty of drivers have made the leap from European single-seaters to the U.S., with some finding great success.

Following a Proven Path

Historically, drivers like Alexander Rossi and Marcus Ericsson have transitioned from European F1 aspirations to success in IndyCar. Rossi, after a brief stint in Formula 1 with Manor Marussia in 2015, won the 2016 Indy 500 as a rookie (IndyCar, ESPN). Ericsson, who raced in Formula 1 from 2014 to 2018 with teams like Caterham and Sauber, made the switch in 2019 and later captured the 2022 Indy 500 with Chip Ganassi Racing (IndyCar, NBC Sports).

Choosing the Right Path Over the Traditional One

Benavides’ move to IndyCar is not about missed opportunities—it’s about choosing the right path for his career. While Formula 1 remains the most exclusive racing series, it also comes with limited seats and a financial barrier that even the most talented drivers struggle to overcome. Instead, Benavides is taking control of his future, pursuing a top-tier racing career where he can compete at the highest level.

Recognition and Rising Expectations

In fact, his talent has been widely recognized. Formula Scout, a well-respected motorsport news outlet, called his 2024 Euroformula Open win "a testament to his skill and perseverance" (Formula Scout). Meanwhile, The Race highlighted his adaptability, stating, "Benavides has proven he can excel across different racing disciplines, making his next steps in America even more intriguing" (The Race).

The Future: Will Benavides Be the Next Big IndyCar Star?

Now, the question is not whether he could have made it to Formula 1, but whether he will dominate the American racing scene just as he has in Europe. With his talent and determination, Benavides has the potential to make a serious impact in IndyCar—and he’s doing it on his own terms.