Trident has officially revealed the three young drivers who will represent the Italian team in the 2026 Formula Regional European Championship (FREC). Under the leadership of Maurizio Salvadori, the team will field Luka Sammalisto, Andrija Kostic, and Maximilian Popov — three promising talents eager to make their mark in single-seater racing. With a clear commitment to nurturing young talent, Trident aims to build on its strong reputation and deliver another competitive campaign.
Luka Sammalisto joins to lead the charge
Trident has named Finnish driver Luka Sammalisto as the first confirmed member of its 2026 line-up. The 17-year-old, who impressed in the Italian F4 Championship with three podium finishes and an eighth-place overall standing, is ready to take the next step in his career.
Sammalisto expressed his enthusiasm, stating: “I’m super proud and excited to join Trident for the 2026 Formula Regional European Championship. It’s an incredible opportunity for me to work with a team that has such a winning history and great passion. I can’t wait to start working with everyone and give my best on and off the track. We want to make it a great season.”
With his solid foundation and evident determination, Sammalisto perfectly fits Trident’s philosophy of developing young drivers into future champions. Moreover, his consistent progress in Italian F4 highlights his readiness for the competitive world of Formula Regional racing.
Andrija Kostic steps up with dual programme
Alongside Sammalisto, Serbian driver Andrija Kostic will compete for Trident in both the Formula Regional European and Middle East Championships. At just 16 years old, Kostic will make his debut in the category after gaining two seasons of valuable experience in the Italian F4 Championship.
Sharing his excitement, Kostic said: “I’m proud to announce that I’ve joined Trident. Becoming part of such a successful and respected team is a huge step in my career, and I’m really excited for what’s ahead. I have complete trust in the whole team, and I believe we can achieve great things together. My goal is to grow with the team, reach the top, and one day make it to Formula 1, with Trident by my side. This is the beginning of an incredible journey.”
Indeed, Kostic’s ambition and youthful energy make him one of Serbia’s most promising racing prospects. Furthermore, his collaboration with Trident across two championships will allow him to adapt quickly and gain crucial experience before the European season begins.
Maximilian Popov completes the trio
Finally, Trident has confirmed Maximilian Popov as the third driver in its 2026 FREC roster. The 17-year-old talent, competing under the flag of Grenada, who secured sixth place in the 2025 Italian F4 Championship with five podiums, is eager to take on the next challenge.
Popov commented: “I’m really excited to join Trident as we head into a new season with a brand-new car. I’m ready to give it my all and show what we can do.”
Having built a strong reputation through his karting and F4 performances, Popov will race with a fully Italian team for the first time. Therefore, this move marks both a fresh opportunity and a natural progression in his career development.
A season of high expectations
With three ambitious young drivers on board, Trident enters the 2026 Formula Regional European Championship with clear intent. The team’s blend of experience, technical expertise, and commitment to talent development positions it well for success.
Ultimately, the trio of Sammalisto, Kostic, and Popov represents a new generation of racers ready to follow in the footsteps of Trident’s previous stars. As the team prepares for a demanding season, expectations are high — and optimism runs even higher.
