13 January 2026GP BlogDriver Ratings
Williams Promotes Academy Driver, Rosberg Secures $100M for VC Fund
Williams promotes academy graduate Victor Martins to a 2026 test driver role, while former champion Nico Rosberg raises $100 million for his venture capital firm, boosting its assets to $200M.
The F1 driver market and business worlds saw significant moves as Williams announced a promotion for academy graduate Victor Martins, while 2016 World Champion Nico Rosberg secured a major new investment fund. Martins will step into a test and development driver role for 2026, also competing in the World Endurance Championship. Separately, Rosberg's successful fundraising highlights his growing influence as a technology investor post-racing.
Why it matters:
- Martins' promotion is a significant career step for a highly-rated junior driver, providing a crucial path into F1 and showcasing Williams' focus on long-term talent development for the new 2026 regulations.
- Rosberg's financial success underscores the growing trend of F1 stars leveraging their fame and network for major business ventures, solidifying his status as a prominent figure in the tech investment world.
The details:
- Victor Martins' New Role: The Frenchman, who joined the Williams academy in early 2025, has been named as the team's test and development driver for the 2026 season.
- His impressive junior resume includes the 2020 Formula Renault Eurocup title and the 2022 FIA Formula 3 championship.
- He will also race for the Alpine Endurance Team in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), balancing his F1 commitments with top-level sportscar racing.
- Nico Rosberg's Venture Success: The former Mercedes driver's venture capital firm, Rosberg Ventures, closed its third fund in January after raising $100 million.
- This brings the firm's total assets under management to $200 million, making it one of the largest funds founded by a former athlete.
- Rosberg serves as the firm's founder and principal investor, focusing on technology startups.
Looking Ahead:
- Martins will be integral to Williams' development program for the 2026 season, where new regulations will reset the competitive order. His dual program in WEC will provide valuable experience in different racing conditions.
- With $200M in assets, Rosberg Ventures is poised to make larger investments in the technology sector, further cementing the 2016 champion's post-F1 legacy as a major player in the business world.