F1 Academy will welcome a new name to its grid in 2026, with Jade Jacquet confirmed as a Williams driver for the upcoming season. The French racer will represent the team in the ART Grand Prix-run car, marking her official debut in the series.

The 16-year-old will also join the Williams Racing Driver Academy, gaining access to the team’s full development program and working closely with the squad at its Grove headquarters, a significant step in her early career progression.

A structured rise through the ranks

Jacquet began her motorsport journey in international karting in 2023, progressing through the French Junior Karting Championship before stepping up to single-seaters this year. During her 2025 French F4 campaign, she recorded 12 top-20 finishes, with a best result of P11 at Circuit des 24 Heures, and claimed the Female Trophy at Dijon-Prenois.

Earlier in the year, she showcased her potential at the inaugural F1 Academy Rookie Test, completing 83 laps at the Circuito de Navarra and finishing with the seventh-fastest time in the afternoon session.

Williams backs long-term potential

Reacting to the announcement, Jacquet shared her excitement:

“I’m super excited to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy and F1 Academy for the 2026 season. The team has been very welcoming and I’m really looking forward to working with them and learning as much as I can during my debut year. Thank you to Atlassian Williams Racing for believing in me, and I can’t wait to get on track.”

Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets highlighted the team’s confidence in her development:

“We are proud to welcome Jade to our team as our Atlassian Williams Racing driver in F1 Academy. She has made rapid progress in her motorsport career and has already shown a strong ability to learn and adapt during her transition to single-seaters.”

“As part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, we will work closely with her to nurture her development on and off the track, while continuing to support Formula 1 and F1 Academy’s shared mission to advance female representation in motorsport.”

Jacquet’s signing underlines Williams’ continued commitment to nurturing young talent and further cements F1 Academy’s role as a critical pathway toward professional racing careers.

Thumbnail Credits: © Liskonogaleksey | Dreamstime.com