Victor Martins signs up with Williams and keeps his sights on F1
Formula 3 2022 champion Victor Martins joins the Williams Racing Driver Academy, taking another important step towards Formula 1. Currently racing in Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix, the French driver will benefit from the British team's support as he continues his ascent to F1. A strategic move for Martins, a former member of the Alpine Academy, who sees Williams as the ideal environment in which to achieve his goals.
French driver Victor Martins, currently racing in Formula 2 and the 2022 Formula 3 champion, has joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy, marking a major step forward in his career and in his journey towards Formula 1. Currently competing in F2 with ART Grand Prix, Martins will now receive support from Williams to continue his development with the goal of reaching the top tier of motorsport.
Victor Martins made a name for himself by winning the Formula 3 title in 2022 with ART Grand Prix, thanks to two wins and six podiums, sealing the championship in the Monza finale. In 2023, during his rookie season in Formula 2, he finished fifth overall and was the top rookie, helping ART Grand Prix secure the teams’ title alongside Théo Pourchaire. The following season, he claimed five podiums, including a sprint race victory in Barcelona, despite challenges with the new car’s setup. He remains in F2 this year, which is expected to be his final season in the category.
By joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy, Martins becomes part of a group of young talents backed by the British team, alongside Luke Browning, who is also racing in Formula 2 with Hitech GP. Both drivers will have the opportunity to drive the FW45 as part of Williams’ testing programme at Monza this weekend. This programme aims to provide drivers with coaching and development to refine their skills both on and off the track.
Victor Martins shared his excitement in the official press release: « I’m super happy to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy! It’s a new chapter for me, but my goal remains the same: to push myself to the limit, both as a person and as a driver, and to reach Formula 1. Williams is an iconic team with an incredible history, and I truly believe it’s the best place to help me achieve my goals. This year, I’ll be focusing all my attention on winning the Formula 2 drivers’ championship with ART Grand Prix and making the most of this opportunity with the Driver Academy, on and off the track. I’m looking forward to working with everyone at Williams as we begin this journey together. »
Sven Smeets, Sporting Director of Williams Racing, added: « We’re delighted to welcome Victor to the Williams Racing Driver Academy. He has consistently proven himself to be a talented driver capable of winning championships. We will continue to support Victor’s development both on and off the track as part of the Academy and look forward to working with him in 2025. »
This announcement comes after Martins’ departure from the Alpine Academy at the end of 2024. Williams continues its tradition of supporting young talent, having previously helped drivers such as Lance Stroll, Nicholas Latifi, Jack Aitken, Logan Sargeant and Franco Colapinto make their way to Formula 1. With Victor Martins now on board, the Williams Academy strengthens its commitment to developing future champions.
