Williams F1 adds to their driver lineup by signing former F3 Drivers’ Champion

Williams has added 2022 Formula 3 Champion Victor Martins to their Driver Academy, bolstering their driver depth after seeing Franco Colapinto sign as a reserve driver with Alpine this past off-season.

The team announced the move in a statement ahead of this weekend’s Formula 1 Japanese Grand Prix.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Victor to the Williams Racing Driver Academy. He has repeatedly demonstrated that he is a talented driver who is capable of winning championships,” said Sven Smeets, the team’s Sporting Director. “We will continue to support Victor’s development on and off the track as part of the Academy and look forward to working with him in 2025.”

Martins won the F3 Drivers’ Championship driving for ART Grand Prix in 2022, after finishing fifth in the standings during his rookie season in 2021. Martins moved up to F2 for the 2023 campaign, finishing fifth in the standings including a win in the Feature Race at Silverstone.

Martins finished seventh in the F2 standings this past season. He will remain in F2 this season with ART Grand Prix.

“I’m super happy to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy,” said Martins. “This is a new chapter for me, but my goal remains the same – to push myself to the limit, both as a person and as a racing driver, and to make it to Formula 1.

“Williams is an iconic team with an incredible history, and I’m confident this is the best place to be to help me achieve my goals. This year, I’ll put all my focus into winning the Formula 2 Drivers’ Championship with ART Grand Prix and maximising this opportunity with the Driver Academy both on and off the track. I look forward to working with everyone at Williams as we embark on this new journey together.”