Photo: Formula Motorsport Ltd
Trident has announced it will field debutants Martinius Stenshorne and Laurens van Hoepen in this weekend’s Formula 2 round in Baku.
The team parted ways with its previous line-up of Sami Meguetounif and Max Esterson two days ago after the pair of rookies had scored just two points between them in 11 rounds.
It now brings in two drivers graduating from the FIA Formula 3 Championship, both of whom are only confirmed for one round, have never driven an F2 car and will be making their debuts on a street circuit they are totally new to.
“We are delighted to announce our agreement with Laurens van Hoepen and Martinius Stenshorne, two drivers of outstanding ability and great potential,” said Trident’s team manager Giacomo Ricci.
“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 F2 car or the circuit itself. We are fully focused on preparing for the event. At the same time, we want to sincerely thank Sami Meguetounif and Max Esterson, and wish them all the best in their future careers.”
Stenshorne has spent the last two years in F3 with Hitech GP, coming 18th in his rookie campaign and fifth this year with two victories and three other podiums.
“I’m very proud to be joining Trident for the next round of the FIA F2 championship in Baku,” said the 19-year-old Norwegian.
“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 has been a rival on the grid with ART Grand Prix, coming 13th in 2024 and 12th in 2025. He has five podiums from his two seasons there.
“I’m really looking forward to making my FIA F2 debut with Trident,” the 20-year-old Dutchman 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.”