Photo: Williams F1 Team
Italian Formula 4 champion Kean Nakamura-Berta has joined the Williams Formula 1 team’s driver academy as he moves up to Formula Regional for 2026.
The London-born Japanese-Slovak driver was previously tied to the Alpine Academy from 2022 until 2024, which was his first full year in single-seater racing after an impressive karting career including World and European titles.
He finished runner-up to Freddie Slater in the United Arab Emirates Formula 4 championship and came sixth in Italian F4 and third in E4 in 2024, but was not retained on Alpine’s books.
Nakamura-Berta did stay part of Prema’s F4 line-up for 2025 and went on to win the title with nine wins and eight other podiums from 20 races. He also added the E4 crown, taking four wins and four other podiums from the nine races.
Williams has confirmed that Nakamura-Berta will contest both the Middle East and European championships in FRegional this year, although his team has not been named.
“We’re thrilled to have Kean join the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy at this key moment in his career,” said Williams sporting director Sven Smeets.
“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.”
Nakamura-Berta added: “I’m very excited to be joining the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy this year. 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!”