Formula 2 racer Victor Martins joins Williams Driver Academy

Williams have announced that F2 driver and former F3 champion Victor Martins has become the latest addition to their Driver Academy, adding to their roster of young talent on the pathway to Formula 1.

Martins won a closely-fought title battle during the 2022 Formula 3 campaign, the Frenchman beating the six other drivers – including the likes of Ollie Bearman and Isack Hadjar – that remained in contention at the Monza season finale to secure the crown for ART Grand Prix.

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From there he progressed to Formula 2 in 2023 and finished his debut season in fifth place, whilst also helping the ART Grand Prix squad to secure their first F2 Teams’ title. Martins collected a further five podiums in 2024, including a victory in the Barcelona Sprint Race.

Alongside competing in his third F2 campaign for ART Grand Prix in 2025, Martins will receive training and guidance from the Williams Driver Academy as he continues to develop his skills on and off the track.

The 23-year-old – who was previously a part of the Alpine Academy – is also set to get behind the wheel of the FW45 as part of the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme in Monza this weekend, as will fellow F2 driver and Academy member Luke Browning.

“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.

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“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."

Sven Smeets, Sporting Director at Williams, added: “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.

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“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.”