Laurens van Hoepen will join MP Motorsport for the 2027 FIA Formula 2 season, becoming the first driver confirmed in the Dutch team’s F2 line-up for next year.
The 21-year-old will remain in F2 for a second full campaign after showing strong progress throughout his rookie season. With two rounds still remaining in 2026, Van Hoepen sits 10th in the Drivers’ Championship after securing one pole position and five podium finishes.
His move will also bring together a Dutch driver and team for the first time in Van Hoepen’s single-seater career. Despite growing up close to MP Motorsport and competing against the operation throughout his rise through Formula Regional and Formula 3, the pair had never previously worked together.
Van Hoepen set for second full F2 campaign in 2027
Van Hoepen entered his first full F2 season in 2026 following two years in FIA Formula 3. Across those two campaigns, the Dutchman collected five podium finishes before progressing to the final step of the junior single-seater ladder.
His rookie F2 campaign has continued that development. Van Hoepen has already taken five podium finishes and a pole position during 2026, putting him 10th in the standings with the final two rounds still to come.
That experience will give him a significantly stronger foundation heading into 2027. Rather than adapting to the championship, its machinery and race format, Van Hoepen will enter his second season with a full year of knowledge to draw upon as he looks to establish himself further towards the front of the field.
The switch to MP Motorsport also offers a new environment while keeping him close to home. Having watched the Dutch operation compete throughout much of his career, Van Hoepen will now represent the team for the first time as he targets another step forward in F2.
Van Hoepen delighted to finally join MP Motorsport ahead of 2027 F2 campaign
Van Hoepen described the move as a natural step after spending much of his career racing in the same championships as MP Motorsport without previously joining the team.
“It’s good to finally join forces with a team that has been on my doorstep since my karting days,” said Van Hoepen. “I have witnessed their incredible success first-hand, especially in my last five seasons in FRECA and FIA F3, and with the experience of a season of Formula 2 under my belt, I’m confident that I can add more prizes to their impressive trophy cabinet.”
His arrival gives MP Motorsport a home driver for its 2027 F2 campaign, something Van Hoepen believes adds another dimension to the partnership. While the team has developed into an international operation with drivers and staff from numerous countries, its Dutch identity remains an important part of the move for him.
“MP is a team of many nationalities now, but it still feels like a natural move to join the home team and race in the orange home colours.”
The partnership will begin with Van Hoepen carrying considerably more experience than he had when entering 2026. His first full season has already demonstrated his ability to qualify at the front and regularly fight for podiums, leaving race victories among the next major targets as he continues his development.
Dorsman welcomes Dutch driver to MP family
MP Motorsport Team Principal Sander Dorsman also welcomed the opportunity to bring Van Hoepen into the team after watching his progression through the junior categories.
“I’m incredibly pleased that Laurens has become a member of our MP family. A Dutch driver with a Dutch team is always going to be special, and with Laurens’ obvious talent and the debut season that he’s had, it was a matter of time before we put two and two together.”
Van Hoepen’s rookie results have made him an attractive option as MP Motorsport begins assembling its 2027 programme. Five podiums and a pole position have shown that he can challenge near the front even during his first full season, while another year in the championship should allow him to build on those performances.
Dorsman made clear that the team intends to continue competing towards the front in 2027, with Van Hoepen forming the first part of that effort.
“With Laurens on board as the first of our F2 drivers, we are aiming to continue our frontrunning F2 form in 2027.”
MP Motorsport begins building 2027 line-up
Van Hoepen is the first driver confirmed in MP Motorsport’s two-car line-up for the 2027 season, leaving one seat still to be announced.
His arrival gives the Dutch team a driver with extensive experience across Formula Regional, FIA F3 and now F2. More importantly, he will enter the campaign having already completed a full season in the category, allowing MP Motorsport to work with an established reference from the beginning of the year.
Before attention fully turns towards 2027, Van Hoepen still has two rounds remaining in his rookie campaign. Sitting 10th in the Drivers’ Championship with five podiums already secured, he has the opportunity to add further results before closing his current chapter and making the move to MP Motorsport.
The 2027 campaign will then bring together Van Hoepen and his home team for the first time. After spending years watching MP’s success from elsewhere on the grid, the Dutchman will now look to contribute to it as he targets victories and a stronger championship challenge in his second full F2 season.
