TRIDENT Team Manager Giacomo Ricci was full of praise for John Bennett following the F2 Sprint Race at the 2026 Austrian GP. The Briton executed a stunning last-lap switchback at Turn 4 to take the victory from Sebastián Montoya. The result marked TRIDENT’s first race victory since 2024 and it also gave Bennett his maiden F2 win.
Speaking after the race, Ricci reflected on what the result means for both driver and team.
Ricci praises Bennett’s composure throughout the Austrian GP Sprint Race
Bennett started from the front row and immediately took the lead at Turn 1. He lost out to Montoya mid-race but kept himself within striking distance throughout, biding his time before pouncing on the final lap. Ricci was full of praise for how the Briton handled the pressure.
“He did a great job. The start was brilliant, he took the lead and even when he passed Montoya, he was able to always stay in the race, keep calm through the full race and the car was there for him,” Ricci stated.
“He managed the tyres very well and in the last two laps, Montoya started to struggle a lot, so we were able to get closer. Then on the last lap he did a brilliant move, took the lead and won the race, so really pleased with this result.”
Ricci suggested that Bennett’s Austrian GP Sprint result could give him renewed confidence for the remainder of the season.
“John put a massive effort into this season and of course this result brings positivity to him. I’m sure that now he knows more than ever that he can do it, and I’m really looking forward to tomorrow’s race and for the coming rounds also,” he stated.
The victory came off the back of Bennett’s second-best Qualifying result of the season, following a P7 in Montreal. It continued a run of competitive showings from the Trident driver throughout 2026.
Ricci says the F2 Austrian GP Sprint victory was fully deserved for Bennett
For Ricci, the result at the F2 Austrian GP Sprint was the culmination of a series of opportunities that had slipped through the team’s fingers earlier in the season. Monaco, in particular, stood out as a weekend where things did not go the way they should have.
“I have to say he fully deserves this result. He had a couple of opportunities previously in some other races, I think about Monte Carlo which was good, and he made a mistake.”
“On another occasion we made a mistake as a team and now finally, he’s been able to achieve his first podium in F2 and with a great victory too. So I am extremely pleased for the team and for him,” said Ricci.
Ricci highlights TRIDENT’s step forward from last season
Ricci also pointed to the broader progress TRIDENT has made, stressing that the Austrian GP result is evidence of a genuine step forward from a difficult 2025 campaign.
“This one is a big plus for us. I mean last year especially was a tough, tough season. We worked very hard this winter during the post-season tests last year and we definitely took a step forward.”
“The car is performing well, and so far, I have to say that every circuit we’ve been to, we’ve been competitive and definitely it’s a massive step forward.”
“I think Laurens [van Hoepen] with what he’s been able to show this year, could be even higher in the classification, but again the championship is still extremely long so we have to be focused and try to score as many points as possible every race week.”
Ricci targets points for both Trident drivers in the Feature Race
With the F2 Austrian GP Sprint complete, Ricci turned his attention to Sunday’s Feature Race. Tyre management will once again play a central role around the Red Bull Ring, and both Bennett and teammate Laurens van Hoepen head into the race with momentum behind them.
“I think with a good start, hopefully we will stay out of trouble. Again, the target is to try to finish in the top 10 positions and for me, the target is to score points.”
“Tomorrow with the Feature Race, any and everything is possible. Today he had brilliant pace, tomorrow we will have also the pit stop in place so let’s see.”
“We know that F2 is a championship where anything can happen. So let’s hope to be on the right side and to be able also to take all the opportunities that come our way,” Ricci concluded.
