Williams F1 Team Signs Italian F4 Champion Kean Nakamura-Berta to Driver Academy

Grove: Atlassian Williams F1 Team has announced the signing of reigning Italian Formula 4 Champion Kean Nakamura-Berta to the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy, strengthening its commitment to nurturing the next generation of motorsport talent.

The Japanese-Slovak driver has built an impressive reputation for speed and consistency across the junior ranks. Nakamura-Berta began karting at just seven years old, rapidly progressing to the international stage and capturing major honours, including the 2021 CIK-FIA OKJ World Championship and the 2022 CIK-FIA OK European Championship.

Rapid Rise Through the Junior Formula Ranks

Kean made the transition to single-seater racing at the end of 2023 in the F4 South East Asia Championship, delivering a strong debut season that included two pole positions and a podium. He continued his upward trajectory in the 2024 Formula UAE Championship, securing two race victories and six additional podium finishes.

The 2025 season marked a major breakthrough, as Nakamura-Berta dominated the Italian F4 Championship, claiming nine wins and multiple podiums on his way to the title. His performances firmly established him as one of the most promising young drivers in junior single-seater racing.

Focus on Formula Regional Championships in 2026

In 2026, Nakamura-Berta is set to compete in both the Formula Regional Middle East and Formula Regional European Championships, key stepping stones on the pathway toward Formula 1.

As part of the Williams Driver Academy, he will receive comprehensive support both on and off the track, with access to world-class coaching, technical expertise and performance development programmes designed to prepare drivers for the highest levels of motorsport.

The Williams Driver Academy has a strong record of developing young talent, most recently seeing Franco Colapintoprogress from the Academy to a Formula 1 race seat.

Reactions from Williams and the Driver

“I’m very excited to be joining the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy,” said Kean Nakamura-Berta. “Williams is a team with incredible history and success, and I’m proud to become part of it. Formula Regional will be a new challenge, and one I’m really looking forward to. Thank you to everyone at Williams for believing in me.”

Sven Smeets, Sporting Director of Atlassian Williams F1 Team, added: “We’re delighted to welcome Kean at such an important stage of his career. He has demonstrated his ability to learn, adapt and win championships. We’re excited to support his development and watch his progress closely as he continues his journey.”