WILLIAMS RACING RECRUITS RISING STAR KEAN NAKAMURA-BERTA FOR A BRIGHT FUTURE IN FORMULA 1!
In a groundbreaking move that has sent shockwaves through the motorsport community, Williams Racing has officially welcomed reigning Italian F4 champion, Kean Nakamura-Berta, into its prestigious Driver Academy, setting the stage for an electrifying 2026 season. The 18-year-old sensation, who boasts an impressive resume as a two-time karting world champion, is poised to make his mark in the high-octane world of Formula 1.
Nakamura-Berta’s meteoric rise in motorsport has been nothing short of extraordinary. After dominating the karting scene with back-to-back world titles in 2021 and 2022, he transitioned to car racing and has quickly established himself as a formidable competitor. Driving for the esteemed Prema team in 2025, Nakamura-Berta clinched both the E4 and Italian F4 championships, amassing a staggering 13 victories and earning 16 pole positions. His sheer talent and determination have not gone unnoticed, and now he is set to take his career to the next level.
Williams Racing has recognized the potential of this young prodigy, announcing that Nakamura-Berta will tackle a demanding double schedule in Formula Regional during the upcoming season. This will see him competing in both the Middle East and European championships, a challenging endeavor that he is eager to embrace. “I’m very excited to be joining the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy this year,” Nakamura-Berta exclaimed. “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.”
His enthusiasm is matched by Williams’ sporting director, Sven Smeets, who expressed his excitement over Nakamura-Berta’s addition to the team. “We’re thrilled to have Kean join the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy at this key moment in his career,” Smeets stated. “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.”
The recruitment of Nakamura-Berta comes on the heels of another significant signing: 16-year-old Jade Jacquet, who was brought into the fold in December as part of Williams’ F1 Academy initiative. With these dynamic additions, Williams is clearly laying down a foundation for a powerful future in motorsport.
As the 2026 season approaches, the anticipation builds. While the plans for senior drivers Luke Browning and Victor Martins remain uncertain, French teenager Alessandro Giusti is ready to embark on his second season in Formula 3. The stage is set for Williams Racing to not only revitalize their legacy but also to nurture the next generation of F1 champions.
Stay tuned as we follow the thrilling journey of Kean Nakamura-Berta and the Williams Driver Academy, where the future of Formula 1 is being forged!








