Tuukka Taponen is taking the next step in his pursuit of a Formula 1 seat. After finishing third in this year’s Formula 3 Championship, it has now been confirmed where the 19-year-old Finn will race in 2027.
“I believe we have a good chance of fighting at the front straight away,” Taponen says.
Tuukka Taponen is continuing his climb through the single-seater ranks.
The 19-year-old Finn will step up to Formula 2 next season after two years in Formula 3.
There, the Ferrari-junior will reunite with a team he already knows well.
Tuukka Taponen returns to ART Grand Prix
Taponen will race for ART Grand Prix in Formula 2 in 2027, returning to the team he represented during his rookie Formula 3 campaign in 2025.
The partnership produced three podium finishes that season.
“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,” Taponen says.
The 2026 Formula 3 season proved to be his strongest in the championship. Taponen claimed three podium finishes and two pole positions on his way to third in the Drivers’ Championship.
Among the highlights was his victory in Madrid, where Taponen claimed his maiden Formula 3 win.
Why Taponen believes he can make a strong F2 debut
The move to Formula 2 will not be the only change awaiting Taponen next season.
Changes to both the car and the regulations are set to arrive for 2027, giving all teams a new set of circumstances as the Finn makes his debut.
“I believe we have a good chance of fighting at the front straight away. 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,” Taponen says.
ART Grand Prix also sees an advantage in already knowing its new 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. This allows us to focus fully, from the outset, on his performance and the development of the car,” says Team Principal Sébastien Philippe.
The next step in the pursuit of Formula 1
Taponen has progressed rapidly through the international junior single-seater categories in recent years.
In 2024, he won the Formula Regional Middle East Championship and finished third in the Formula Regional European Championship.
That was followed by two seasons in Formula 3. Formula 2 now awaits, the final junior category on the ladder towards Formula 1.
For Taponen, the promotion means he is now just one step away from the championship that has long been his stated goal.
