Victor Martins' departure was immediately compensated numerically at WilliamsWhile the Frenchman prepares to meet again Alpine en EnduranceKean Nakamura-Berta is arriving at Grove. The Japanese-Slovakian driver has won 9 victories and reached the podium 17 times to clinch the Italian F4 title and succeed drivers like Kimi Antonelli or Freddie Slater, who will be crowned champion in 2024.
As he prepares to discover the Regional Formula (FREC) and participate in the Middle East Regional Formula (FRMEC) during the winter, the young man knows he is now supported by an academy that will guide him in his ascent of the pyramid of the car.
“I am very excited to be joining the Williams Team Driver Academy this year.” F1. Nakamura-Berta rejoices. This is a team that has achieved a great deal and has a rich history, and I'm proud to be a part of it. Racing in Formula Regional will be a new challenge, but one I'm really looking forward to. Thank you to everyone at Williams for believing in me, and I can't wait to start this new chapter!
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By winning the highly competitive F4 Italy with a comfortable lead, the London native established himself as one of the faces to watch in the coming years and caught the eye of Sven Smeets, the Williams sporting director in charge of the academy: “We are delighted that Kean is joining the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy at this pivotal moment in his career. savor the Belgian. He has shown a lot of potential, proving that he is capable of learning, adapting, and winning championships. We look forward to working with him this year and will be following his performances on the track closely.
Reaching F1 with Williams is now an achievable goal for Nakamura-Berta, provided his performances follow. He would then be emulating Franco Colapinto, promoted for eight Grands Prix in 2024 before moving to Alpine.
Alain Féguenne (🇱🇺 Luxembourg)
09/01/2026 at 07:16 a.m.
To be honest, I've never heard of it, so before talking about F1, there's still a lot to learn! 🧐
Yves-Henri RANDIER
09/01/2026 at 06:29 a.m.
You'll first have to prove yourself in FREQ, then in F3, or even F2, before even thinking about F1!