Laurens van Hoepen delivered a spectacular performance in the 2026 F2 Miami Sprint Race, narrowly missing out on victory after an intense final-lap showdown. The Dutch driver spent much of the race in a close fight with Campos Racing’s Nikola Tsolov, exchanging positions and jockeying for the lead throughout the 23-lap contest. Van Hoepen seized the lead at Turn 11 on the final lap, but the lack of DRS down the back straight allowed Tsolov to close in and launch a last-moment attack, ultimately winning in a drag race to the finish line.
Despite the heartbreak, van Hoepen held off Rodin Motorsport’s Alexander Dunne to claim second, giving Trident its second consecutive podium finish of the season. This strong showing reflected the team’s improved competitiveness after a difficult 2025 campaign, where they struggled to score points and finished last in the Teams’ Championship.
A thrilling F2 Sprint Race finish in Miami delights Trident
The final laps of the Miami Sprint kept fans on edge, with van Hoepen and Tsolov trading positions and fighting every inch of the track. Speaking to Formula 2, Trident Team Manager Giacomo Ricci expressed his satisfaction with van Hoepen’s performance and the overall result, highlighting the positives that came from such a dramatic race.
“I have to say it was very exciting for everyone. It was very tight at the end. We were hoping for the win, but again we are super happy with the P2. Also I am extremely pleased with how we have started the season so far. To have a double podium, after such a tough year in 2025, this year is definitely better.”
Ricci praised the intensity of the battle between van Hoepen and Tsolov, noting that it demonstrated the high level of competition in Formula 2 and the progress Trident has made in preparing its car.
“The car seems in a better spot, so I’m extremely pleased with the job of everyone. There is a very good atmosphere within the team, and Laurens and also John, they are motivated. So we have to keep up the momentum and try to be as consistent as possible through the championship.”
The team’s focus on teamwork, preparation, and strategy has begun to pay dividends, providing a platform for both drivers to challenge for points and podiums consistently.
Winter overhaul: Trident’s path to competitiveness
Trident’s impressive start to the season did not happen by chance. Ricci highlighted the extensive winter programme that overhauled the team’s car, making it more competitive and adaptable to different circuits. The team began from scratch during the post-season testing in Abu Dhabi, reviewing every element of performance from aerodynamics to tyre management.
“Well, we reviewed everything. We started from scratch in Abu Dhabi last year during the post-season test. I have to thank both drivers, because they were extremely patient. They looked at everything to understand where we were.”
Ricci noted that the effort has allowed Trident to bring the car back to a window of competitiveness closer to what the team achieved in Formula 3.
“Now the car is in the good window. I think for both now it’s easy to deliver. It’s closer to what we’ve been able to achieve for a very, very long time in Formula 3.”
The F2 result in Miami indicates that the winter upgrades at Trident were successful, giving van Hoepen and Bennett the tools to challenge regularly at the front of the grid.
Teammate rivalry drives performance
Within Trident, the competition between Laurens van Hoepen and John Bennett is intensifying, with both drivers pushing each other to improve. Ricci emphasised that the margin between the two drivers is minimal, showing how competitive Formula 2 has become.
“John is very close to Laurens. But because the championship level is so high, when you are maybe a tenth-and-a-half, two-tenths off your teammate, then you are not in the top 10 in qualifying. Then as we know the weekend becomes more difficult. But I’m extremely pleased with his attitude, with the effort that he’s putting in with the team, and also with the chemistry that there is with his engineers. So he’s looking good and for me, he’s progressing and I’m expecting him to be in the points soon.”
Ricci’s praise highlights the balance Trident is striking between nurturing emerging talent and fostering a competitive team environment. The internal rivalry motivates both drivers to extract maximum performance, which can translate into podiums and points when it matters most.
Trident turns focus to Feature Race after van Hoepen takes P2 in F2 Sprint Race in Miami
With the F2 Miami Sprint behind them, Trident turns its attention to the Feature Race, where strategy, consistency, and a little bit of luck will play crucial roles. Ricci stressed the unpredictability of Formula 2 and the need for adaptability.
“Well, it depends on the strategy. As we know, Formula 2 can be extremely unpredictable, especially with a Safety Car. Our target is to score points, finish the race and do our best. In Melbourne, we had an absolutely great race. It was quite impressive and allowed us to finish P3, so let’s see what happens tomorrow. We will work as hard as we can this afternoon in order to provide the best package possible to each driver. We’re looking forward to a little bit of luck, which you always need in F2.”
The team will focus on optimising both drivers’ cars and preparing for the challenges Miami’s street circuit presents. Trident’s strong start to the season, with two consecutive podiums, sets a foundation for consistent top-tier results and a confident push for the championship.
Building momentum: Trident’s road ahead
Trident’s performance in Miami demonstrates that the team has successfully overcome last year’s struggles. The combination of van Hoepen’s skill, Bennett’s rapid development, and a significantly improved car provides a strong platform for the season ahead.
If the team can maintain consistency, continue to extract the maximum from their upgrades, and navigate the unpredictability of Formula 2, Trident could become a regular challenger at the front of the grid. The Miami Sprint may have ended in second place, but it has given the team and its drivers confidence that the podium is no longer a rare occurrence—it is the standard they aim to achieve race after race.
