Ferrari Driver Academy talent Tuukka Taponen will step up to FIA Formula 2 in 2027 after reaching an agreement to race for ART Grand Prix. The French team announced the deal after the Finnish driver completed an impressive 2026 Formula 3 campaign that strengthened his position among Ferrari’s leading young prospects.
The promotion also reunites Tuukka Taponen with a team he already knows well, providing continuity at an important stage of his development as he moves another step closer to his ultimate objective of reaching Formula 1.
Tuukka Taponen earns Formula 2 promotion after strong F3 season
Tuukka Taponen secured the move following an excellent 2026 Formula 3 season in which the Finnish driver claimed three podium finishes, including one victory, as well as two pole positions. Those results helped Tuukka Taponen finish third in the Drivers’ Championship.
The 19-year-old had previously raced with ART Grand Prix in 2025, his debut season in the category, when Tuukka Taponen also collected three podium finishes.
Before competing in Formula 3, the Ferrari Driver Academy youngster won the 2024 Formula Regional Middle East Championship and finished third in the European part of the competition.
Tuukka Taponen confident ART Grand Prix can fight at the front
Speaking about the move to Formula 2, Tuukka Taponen expressed confidence that the established relationship with ART Grand Prix can help the partnership become competitive immediately.
“I believe we have a good chance of fighting for the top positions straight away. I know the ART team well and I know how they work. F2 will introduce a new version of the car next season, together with regulation changes, which will level the playing field for all the teams.”
The Finnish driver also highlighted the value of returning to an organisation that already understands his requirements and working methods.
“It’s also fantastic to return to a team that already knows me and wanted me back. I’m sure I will receive the support I need from the team to make this step forward and pursue my goal of reaching Formula 1.”
ART Grand Prix welcomes Ferrari youngster back
ART Grand Prix team principal Sébastien Philippe welcomed the reunion and believes the existing relationship between the team and Tuukka Taponen will provide an immediate advantage when preparations begin for the 2027 campaign.
“I’m very happy to have Tuukka back in the team! We already have an advantage because we built a solid foundation and a strong relationship together in the past. This allows us to focus completely, from the very beginning, on his performance and the development of the car.”
The Formula 2 promotion represents the next stage in Tuukka Taponen’s progression through the junior categories. After his strong Formula 3 campaign, the Ferrari Driver Academy prospect will now return to familiar surroundings at ART Grand Prix as he continues working towards his stated ambition of reaching Formula 1.
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