Trident Motorsport has announced that Laurens van Hoepen and Martinius Stenshorne will join the team for the upcoming Formula 2 round in Baku, marking both drivers’ debuts in the championship.
The Dutch-Norwegian pairing represents a significant step-up the motorsport ladder, transitioning from Formula 3 where they have both demonstrated considerable promise throughout the 2025 season.
Strong F3 campaigns pave the way
Stenshorne enjoyed a particularly successful Formula 3 campaign with ART Grand Prix, securing two victories alongside three additional podium finishes. His consistent performances throughout the season earned him fifth place in the Drivers’ Championship standings, establishing him as one of the category’s standout performers.
Van Hoepen, meanwhile, completed his Formula 3 season with Hitech TGR, finishing 12th overall in the championship. The young driver managed to claim two podium finishes during his campaign, showcasing the speed and racecraft that has caught Trident’s attention.
Enthusiastic to make a debut in Formula 2
Both drivers have expressed their enthusiasm about the opportunity to make their Formula 2 debuts with the Italian team.
“I’m very proud to be joining Trident Motorsport for the next round of the FIA Formula 2 Championship in Baku,” said Stenshorne. “This is an exciting opportunity, and I can’t wait to get on track with the team on such a unique and challenging circuit. I will give it everything and try to learn as much as possible from this new experience.”
Van Hoepen echoed similar sentiments about the prospect of racing at the challenging Baku City Circuit for the first time.
“I’m really looking forward to making my FIA Formula 2 debut with Trident Motorsport,” he commented. “It’s a fantastic opportunity to step up to the next category at such a technical and spectacular circuit like Baku. It will be a valuable experience that I can build on for the future.”
Team perspective
Trident Team Manager Giacomo Ricci welcomed the addition of both drivers, highlighting their proven abilities whilst acknowledging the challenges ahead.
“We are delighted to announce our agreement with Laurens van Hoepen and Martinius Stenshorne, two drivers of outstanding ability and great potential,” Ricci explained. “Both have proven to be frontrunners this year and in previous seasons. Making their debut in Baku will certainly be a big challenge, as neither of them has experience with a Formula 2 car or the circuit itself. We are fully focused on preparing for the event.”
Wishing departing drivers well
The Baku City Circuit presents a formidable challenge for any driver, but particularly for those making their Formula 2 debuts. The high-speed street circuit demands precision and confidence, qualities both van Hoepen and Stenshorne have demonstrated in their Formula 3 campaigns.
Ricci also took the opportunity to acknowledge the departing drivers, stating: “At the same time, we want to sincerely thank Sami Meguetounif and Max Esterson, and wish them all the best in their future careers.”
Both Stenshorne and drivers will be hoping to make an immediate impact as they adapt to the increased power and complexity of Formula 2 machinery in the unique setting of Azerbaijan’s capital city.
