Here's the thing about climbing the single-seater ladder: familiarity is everything. ART Grand Prix have locked in Tuukka Taponen for the 2027 FIA Formula 2 season, and it is a move that makes total sense for both sides. The 19-year-old is making the jump straight up to the championship after putting together a stellar 2026 campaign in Formula 3.
That 2026 season was genuinely impressive. Taponen collected three podiums, including one victory, secured two Pole Positions, and ultimately finished third in the Drivers' Championship. But his history with the squad runs even deeper. Back in his rookie year in F3 during the 2025 campaign, he also raced with ART and managed three podiums under their banner.
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.
Before ever touching an F3 machine, the young driver already showed what he could do by winning the 2024 Formula Regional Middle East Championship title, alongside a third-place finish in the European leg of that same competition.
Now, the challenge shifts to Formula 2, and Taponen is walking into an environment where he already knows the people and the methods. "I believe we have a good chance of fighting for the front positions right away," said Taponen. "ART is a team I know well, and I know how they work. F2 will introduce a new car version next season, along with regulation changes, which will level the playing field for all teams."
He added, "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."
ART Grand Prix Team Principal Sébastien Philippe is equally thrilled to reunite with his former driver. "I’m very happy to have Tuukka back in the team! We are already a step ahead, having built a solid foundation and a strong relationship together in the past," Philippe stated. "This allows us to focus fully, from the outset, on his performance and the development of the car."
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