Williams adds new driver to junior ranks for 2026 season

Henry Valantine 09 Jan 2026 5:00 PM

Williams has signed a young driver to its academy.

Williams has announced the signing of reigning Italian F4 champion, Kean Nakamura-Berta, to its Driver Academy ahead of the 2026 season.

Nakamura-Berta is the second driver Williams has recruited to its junior ranks over the winter, with 16-year-old Jade Jacquet having been signed in December as its next F1 Academy driver.

Williams signs double F4 champion to its Driver Academy

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Twice a karting world champion in 2021 and 2022, Japanese-Slovak driver Nakamura-Berta, 18, has stepped into car racing in the past couple of seasons and enjoyed success at Formula 4 level.

Driving for high-profile junior team Prema in 2025, Nakamura-Berta won both the E4 and Italian F4 titles, winning a combined 13 races and 16 pole positions along the way.

Williams confirmed he would be stepping up for a double schedule in Formula Regional in 2026, competing in its Middle East and European championships as he continues his journey in motorsport.

“I’m very excited to be joining the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy this year,” said Williams’ new recruit.

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“It’s a team that has achieved so much and has a vast history, and I’m proud to be part of it. Racing in Formula Regional will be a new challenge but one that I’m especially looking forward to.

“Thank you to everyone at Williams for believing in me, and I can’t wait to start this new chapter!”

Williams sporting director Sven Smeets added: “We’re thrilled to have Kean join the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy at this key moment in his career.

“He has shown a lot of promise, proving that he is capable of learning, adapting and ultimately winning championships.

“We look forward to working with him this year and will watch keenly as he hits the track.”

Williams’ most senior drivers in its junior programme, Luke Browning and Victor Martins, are yet to have their 2026 plans confirmed, while French teenager, Alessandro Giusti, is set to take part in his second season in Formula 3 in 2026.

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