Van Hoepen aiming to the ‘best I can’ in 2026 ahead of first full season with TRIDENT

20 January 2026

Laurens van Hoepen is hopeful that the work he did with TRIDENT in the final few rounds of 2025 and the post-season test will pay off for both parties this year.

The Dutch driver stepped up from Formula 3 – where he achieved five podiums across two seasons – to compete in the final three rounds of the year with the team.

Van Hoepen finished with a best result of P14 in the Yas Marina Sprint Race, before taking part in all three days of running at the end of year test at the same venue.

Speaking on the final day of action, van Hoepen said he and TRIDENT have been building a good relationship ahead of the 2026 campaign.

“I’m feeling good,” said van Hoepen. “We have been testing a lot during these days, using all the times we have to make sure that we are going to be strong at the front next year.

Van Hoepen is completed the final three rounds of the 2025 season with TRIDENT

“I've been driving round in circles a lot. It's going well, we gathered some valuable data, focused on that, doing our own stuff and making sure we find the things we need too.

“Of course it's super valuable to have had this time with the team, because in the end, it's still a step from F3. So to have done those races as a driver, it's useful to already have an advantage and not be a full on rookie going into next year.

“Also, together with the team, it's good because now we know each other quite well and we have built a good relationship, so it's super nice to do those rounds.”

Van Hoepen says his plan is to spend a lot of time back home and also do some travelling before returning to TRIDENT to prepare for the season.

The 20-year-old says the team are only focused on themselves heading into the new year, as he sets about achieving his goals for the season.

Van Hoepen has set out his goal of maximising his and the car's performance this season

“It's so difficult to say what exactly are goals, because with the test, we were focusing on our own thing, so it's difficult to see where we stand,” said van Hoepen.

“I am just looking forward to doing the best I can, and let’s say after every session, coming back to the box, saying I've done the maximum I could, I have gotten the maximum out the car, that's the main target, to always be happy with the performance I have done.

“Of course I am going to make mistakes, but trying to make them as little as possible and I'll be happy with that.”