SVL Racing: Van Leeuwen Targets “Best of the Rest” in 2026

SVL Racing head into 2026 with a measured, smart approach to development — and Sander van Leeuwen feels the team has put itself in a strong position to build across the season. We spoke to the Dutchman about SVL’s pre-season, goals, track expectations, and how he prepares for race weekends.

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Welcome Sander! Now that we have been through the pre-season upgrade process, how do you feel the team did?

Sander van Leeuwen

"I think we’re set up quite well for this season and pre-season. We don’t have anything crazy really, but we have a good amount of money left compared to teams who have around the same upgrades. This will give us more opportunities for upgrades in the future."

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What are your goals for the season?

Sander van Leeuwen:

"Like last season my goal is to be the best of the rest just behind the podium. I don’t know where we’ll actually be, but i think this should be possible for us."

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Anyone you’re particularly worried about?

Sander van Leeuwen:

"I don’t have anyone in particular. We’ll have to see who’s around us."

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Are there any particular tracks you think your car will be particularly strong at?

Sander van Leeuwen:

"I think we have a car that’s good overall and not at a specific track. I myself am looking forward to canada and suzuka since i’m usually good at those. Losail and Miami will be interesting since those tracks are pretty new in simracing."

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How do you prepare for a race? Do you have engineers? Or overlays?

Sander van Leeuwen:

"I myself don’t really have a prep ritual. Usually i load into the server whenever i feel like it and have time to do laps. Usually i ask people to join me since that makes it more fun. And on race day i do laps to get used to the car."

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With a solid base already in place and enough budget left to react as the season unfolds, SVL Racing and Sander van Leeuwen head into 2026 with a clear plan: build steadily, keep finishing, and use development smartly to close the gap to the front. If they can turn that consistency into points early on — “best of the rest” could be more than just a goal, it could become a realistic benchmark for their season.