We still have a month before the penultimate race in Formula 2’s 2025 calendar, but that doesn’t mean this break hasn’t been filled with news! So, let’s get down to business and catch up on what’s happening.
The Musical Chairs Continue
Stenshorne to Rodin
Martinius Stenshorne has left Trident and will drive for Rodin Motorsport for the 2026 season. The Norwegian driver finished the 2025 F3 season in fifth place; and after stepping up to F2, looks to be finishing the season with promising results.
Stenshorne is excited to join Rodin next year, and is already looking forward to post season testing in Abu Dhabi and giving it all in the upcoming season.
He adds, “This is a big step forward in my career, and I’m grateful to the team for their trust and support.”
“Confirming Martinius as our first FIA Formula 2 driver for 2026 is an exciting step for the team,” Rodin Motorsport Sporting Director Benn Huntingford said in a statement. The team believes that his debut in Baku was “a clear indication of the potential he brings.”
They are confident in his ability and are “looking forward to supporting his development and working with him as he makes the step up.”
Cian Shields Is Staying in AIX Racing
Cian Shields retains his seat in AIX Racing for the 2026 season. This completes their line-up, with Emerson Fittipaldi Jr. in the other seat.
In a statement, Shields expresses his happiness about being with AIX Racing for another season. “This year had its challenges, but I’ve taken a lot of lessons from it and I feel ready to come back stronger. With the experience we’ve built together, I’m confident we can take a big step forward and fight for the results we want,” he adds.
That means that AIX’s two-time podium sitter Joshua Duerksen will leave the team to join Invicta Racing for the 2026 season, as announced today on social media.
Alex Dunne Parts Ways With McLaren
Alex Dunne leaves the McLaren Driver Development Program after two years. In his statement on social media, the Irish driver states this as a “mutual parting” and that he’s grateful for the opportunity to develop and improve in the British Formula 1 team.
He adds, “To have my first opportunity to drive an Formula 1 car, followed by two FP1 sessions is something I’ll always hold very close to my heart. I wish them all the best for the future. Thank you Papaya family.”
The Rodin Motorsport driver has his eyes set on the last two rounds of the 2025 F2 season.
This, however, doesn’t stop certain parties to be interested in him, now that he is free from any associations with a Formula 1 team. Red Bull Racing’s longtime advisor Helmut Marko, for one, has told BBC Sport that he considers Dunne “very like a Red Bull driver.”
Where Dunne will choose to continue his road to Formula 1 has become an interesting topic, that’s for sure.
New Faces in 2026
In the past few months, there has been a shakeup in the worlds of Indycar and the World Rally Championship, as some prominent names have chosen to hang up their boots.
In September, Colton Herta announced that he won’t be racing in Indycar for the 2026 season. Instead, he will be the test driver for Cadillac F1 Team, and has now also secured a seat with Hitech TGR on the F2 grid. This is to, ultimately, get enough superlicence points to be eligible to drive for Formula 1.
Recently, two-time rally champion Kalle Rovanpera announced that he will retire from the sport after the 2025 season. The Swedish driver has achieved a lot in rally racing and he’s ready to achieve new dreams. He will be driving in Super Formula under Toyota Gazoo Racing in 2026. Rovanpera is eyeing to drive in Formula 2 in 2027.
They’re pulling risky moves, but that’s what racing is all about, right? I, for one, am excited to see how their F2 bids will fare!
Browning in Mexico
Atlassian Williams Racing has announced that Luke Browning will drive the FW47 in FP1 at the Mexican Grand Prix, replacing Carlos Sainz. This is the HiTech TGR driver’s second time in the FW47, the first being at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The 2026 grid continues to take shape, and new names are trying to make their debut. What else will this remaining month of break have in store for us? Let us know what you think!
Written by Jo.
Edited by Alexandra.
Featured image credit: goodwood.com
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