Williams Signs F4 Champion Nakamura-Berta to Driver Academy

Williams Racing is bolstering its young driver pipeline by adding reigning Italian and E4 F4 champion Kean Nakamura-Berta to its Driver Academy for the 2026 season. The 18-year-old Japanese-Slovak driver, who dominated with Prema in 2025, will step up to a dual campaign in Formula Regional as he continues his development toward a potential F1 seat.

Why it matters:

For a team like Williams, which is on a long-term rebuilding path, securing top-tier junior talent is crucial for future success. Nakamura-Berta's impressive track record in karting and F4 suggests he has the potential to climb the motorsport ladder, possibly becoming a future Williams F1 driver. This move, along with the recent signing of Jade Jacquet, signals a renewed focus and strategic investment in the team's driver development program.

The details:

• Championship Pedigree: Nakamura-Berta is a two-time karting world champion (2021, 2022) and clinched both the Italian F4 and E4 titles in 2025 with the prestigious Prema team.
• Dominant 2025 Season: His 2025 campaign included 13 race wins and 16 pole positions, showcasing his raw speed and consistency.
• 2026 Program: He is set for a busy schedule, competing in both the Formula Regional Middle East and European championships to gain maximum experience.
• Academic Expansion: This is Williams' second academy signing this winter, following the addition of 16-year-old Jade Jacquet to their F1 Academy roster.

What's next:

Nakamura-Berta's performance in the highly competitive Formula Regional championships will be his first major test within the Williams system. The team will be closely monitoring his progress, adaptation to more powerful cars, and ability to develop as a driver. The future of other Williams junior drivers like Luke Browning and Victor Martins remains unclear, adding a layer of competition and opportunity within the academy.