Now in his second year in Formula 3, Laurens van Hoepen has delivered an encouraging first half of the F3 season with ART Grand Prix. The young Dutch driver has demonstrated growing consistency and steady improvement across race weekends, and currently sits 13th in the championship standings. His performances in Monaco and Barcelona were particular highlights.
Challenging start in Melbourne
The season opener in Melbourne was a difficult weekend for van Hoepen. A collision in the Sprint Race involving Câmara and Wharton brought out the Safety Car and forced the Dutchman to retire his ART Grand Prix car. In the Feature Race, he made progress but could only manage P12, finishing outside the points.
Disappointment in Bahrain
Bahrain proved to be van Hoepen’s toughest round yet. After qualifying P26, he was unable to mount a serious challenge, finishing P17 in the Sprint and P12 in the Feature. It was a weekend to move past quickly for both van Hoepen and ART Grand Prix.
Silver lining in Imola
Imola marked a slight improvement. Van Hoepen qualified 17th and maintained that position in the Sprint Race. However, he salvaged a single point with a P10 finish in the Feature Race – a modest return, but a step forward nonetheless.
Monaco redemption
Monaco delivered a much-needed breakthrough. Van Hoepen claimed P3 in the Sprint Race, securing his first podium of the season and his fourth in Formula 3 overall, repeating his 2024 result at the same venue. In the Feature Race, he made further gains, finishing P6 after starting from ninth — a solid haul of points in a challenging circuit.
Consistency in Barcelona
Barcelona further confirmed van Hoepen’s improving form. Despite a slow getaway in the Sprint Race that cost him a podium opportunity from third on the grid, he still finished P4. In the Feature Race, van Hoepen again secured P4 for ART Grand Prix, having spent much of the race in second before losing a place to Giusti on the final lap. It marked his most consistent weekend of the season so far.
Promising start
On the back of two strong performances in Monaco and Barcelona, van Hoepen appears to be gaining momentum. With his confidence growing and results trending upward, the Dutchman could well climb the championship standings as the season continues.
