Australian driver James Wharton will step up to the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2027, joining Trident Motorsport for his first full season in Formula 1’s immediate feeder category.
The move sees Wharton return to familiar surroundings, having made his F2 debut with the Italian outfit during the 2025 Qatar Grand Prix weekend.
Wharton expressed he couldn’t put into words returning to Trident to announce his first full F2 campaign.
“To be able to return to Trident after racing with them in 2025 is something really special,” Wharton said.
“We worked very well together and they are a very prestigious team that has done a great job over the last few seasons. I’m looking forward to joining the team and continuing to work hard with them over the winter, so that we can arrive in 2027 in the best possible shape.
“A huge thank you to Giacomo and Maurizio for giving me the opportunity to drive their car and be part of their team. I can’t thank Trident enough, and I’m really looking forward to starting this new chapter of my career.”
Called up at short notice to replace a teammate at Lusail at the tail-end of 2025, Wharton impressed with his pace and professionalism, making a strong impression on the Trident team.
That experience now paves the way for Wharton to return to the team for the next stage of his single-seater career.
Wharton recently completed his second FIA Formula 3 Championship season with PREMA, highlighted by a Sprint Race victory in Barcelona and a second podium finish in Madrid.
His progression through the junior categories, combined with his strong first F2 outing, has earned him a full-time opportunity with Trident in 2027.
“We are extremely pleased to announce that James Wharton will race for us in the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2027,” Trident Team Manager Giacomo Ricci said.
“He is undoubtedly a highly talented driver, and he has successfully progressed through all the top junior categories, consistently showing that, whenever given the opportunity, he has the ability to compete at the front.
“We are very happy to begin this journey together. 2027 will be James’ rookie season in Formula 2, and we will do everything we can to give him the best possible preparation.
“He is a very dedicated and hard-working driver, and we are confident that, by working together, we can put ourselves in a position to be competitive and deliver consistently strong performances throughout the 2027 season.”
Wharton’s move to Trident represents the next step in his progression through the international single-seater ranks, with the 2027 season set to provide his first full opportunity to compete in FIA Formula 2.
Three rounds remain in the Formula 2 Championship, with this year’s grid going to Baku this week, before scheduled rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi in the final two months of 2026.
