Ferrari junior Tuukka Taponen will step up to FIA Formula 2 in 2027 with ART Grand Prix, the team he raced for in FIA Formula 3 in 2025. The announcement marks a reunion between the Finnish driver and the French squad.
Taponen's rookie F3 campaign with ART Grand Prix was a tale of two halves. After a challenging start to the season with MP Motorsport, he found his footing in the second half, capping off the year with a maiden feature race win in Madrid. Two additional podiums and two pole positions propelled him to third in the championship standings by the final round.
Prior to F3, Taponen impressed in Formula Regional with R-ace GP, winning the Middle East championship and finishing third in Europe behind Rafael Camara and James Wharton. His performances earned him a one-off appearance with ART at Spa-Francorchamps in 2024 before joining the team full-time in 2025, where he scored three podiums and finished ninth in the standings.
“ART is a team I know well, and I know how they work,” Taponen said. “A new version of the car will be introduced in F2 next season and there will also be changes to the regulations, which will level the playing field for all teams. I believe that we have a good chance to fight for the top places right away.”
ART team principal Sebastien Philippe welcomed Taponen back, highlighting the strong foundation they built together. “We are already a step ahead, having built a solid foundation and a strong relationship in the past. This allows us to focus fully, from the outset, on his performance and the development of the car,” Philippe said.
ART currently sits sixth in the team standings after Baku, but their underlying pace has been stronger than the points suggest. Kush Maini secured pole positions in Miami and Budapest, indicating the team's potential. With new regulations and a new car for 2027, ART aims to return to the front.
For Taponen, the move to F2 is a crucial step toward his Formula 1 dream. With Ferrari's backing and a familiar environment, he is confident of adapting quickly. “It’s also great to return to a team that already knows me and wanted me back. I’m confident I’ll get the support I need from the team to take this next step and pursue my goal of reaching Formula 1,” he added.
Taponen is the third driver confirmed for F2 2027, joining Freddie Slater at Invicta Racing and James Wharton at Trident. With many seats still available, the driver market for next season is heating up.
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