Laurens van Hoepen arrives in Monaco excited for one of the most demanding weekends on the 2026 F2 calendar.
Monte Carlo leaves drivers with almost no margin for error. The walls sit close, the track stays narrow, and every lap demands a careful balance between commitment and control. For the TRIDENT driver, however, that challenge makes the venue special.
Van Hoepen relishing Monaco return in 2026 F2 campaign
Van Hoepen spoke enthusiastically to Formula 2 about racing in the Principality, a venue that still carries a unique status for drivers across the motorsport ladder. He also pointed to the thrill of a Monaco Qualifying lap, where confidence, precision and full commitment must come together.
“It’s always super cool to be here. Racing in Monaco is something that is very special. Now I’m just very much looking forward to getting out on track here. I think the track is super cool, especially for a qualifying lap, you have to be on the limit here and that is something special. So, I’m just excited to be here.
Precision key around the Principality
However, Monaco rewards precision as much as bravery. Drivers cannot afford to build speed carelessly, because even a small mistake can carry major consequences. Van Hoepen stressed that the main challenge comes from staying clean while still pushing close to the limit.
“I think the main point here is just to be super clean. You have to be on the edge everywhere, but you cannot go over because then you’re in the wall.
That balance will shape his weekend. Drivers must use every centimetre of track, but one mistake can damage the car or end a session.
This is especially true in Qualifying, which usually defines the Monaco weekend. With overtaking so difficult, track position becomes crucial, and drivers need to deliver when the circuit reaches its fastest point. For van Hoepen, that makes the lap especially rewarding. Monaco demands commitment, confidence and precision in equal measure.
Overtaking difficult, but not impossible
Although Qualifying carries huge importance, van Hoepen believes drivers can still create opportunities in the races. He acknowledged the difficulty of passing around Monaco, but he also suggested that drivers can make progress if they stay patient and choose the right moment.
“Overtaking here is always difficult, but that doesn’t mean that it can’t be done, because there are some places that you can maybe do a cheeky overtake. But I think that’s something that comes to you in the race. We’ve seen some races from in the past where they could overtake, but it’s just about looking for the right opportunity at the right time.”
Van Hoepen’s Monaco weekend will depend on confidence and control. He must attack in Qualifying, stay clean near the barriers and remain alert for any race opportunity. The Principality rarely gives drivers easy chances, but it rewards those who combine speed with discipline.
