Trident have signed James Wharton for F2’s penultimate round of the 2025 season in Qatar.
Trident previously made a double driver swap prior to the trip to Azerbaijan as Martinius Stenshorne and Laurens van Hoepen replaced Sami Meguetounif and Max Esterson.
Stenshorne however has since recently been called up by Rodin for the final two rounds of the season after Amaury Cordeel left the team for unspecified reasons, with the Norwegian set to drive for Rodin full time in the 2026 season.
Trident consequently have opted to recruit Wharton to replace Stenshorne for at least the penultimate round of the campaign in Qatar, although he will return to F3 to join their Italian rivals – PREMA next season but the 19 year-old is “grateful” to get a taste of F2.
“I am infinitely grateful to Trident Motorsport for giving me this opportunity to race in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.
“It’s definitely a huge step for my career, there will be new challenges starting with a more powerful car, longer races, more tyre degradation and pit stops. There will be a lot of things to learn, but I will try to make the most of this opportunity.”
Wharton further clarified that although he won’t race in F2 next season unless plans change, he is keen to embrace to learn about the series and develop his racecraft ahead of 2026.
“Even if I won’t be racing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship next year, this is definitely a great opportunity to learn something new, grow and bring home a good result.”
Trident Team Principal, Giacomo Ricci added that he is “extremely happy” to call up Wharton for Qatar, having noted his potential in F3 with one win despite a lowly 18th-placed championship finish.
“He is certainly one of the most talented up-and-coming drivers that we have been able to appreciate in FIA Formula 3 this year. James is an extremely good and fast driver.
“Making your debut in Lusail will certainly be a great challenge, but together with our driver we have done an intense preparation work which, I am convinced, will bear fruit.”
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