Motorsports

Williams add 14-year-old Ukrainian talent to their Driver Academy

By Balazs Szabo on

Formula One’s Grove-based outfit Williams Racing have introduced a brand new addition to their Driver Academy with younger karting star Oleksandr Bondarev becoming a member of their younger driver programme.

The 14-year-old Ukrainian has already demonstrated his abilities behind the wheel with a number of karting achievements in his junior profession. He was notably topped 2023 CIK-FIA Karting European Champion, turning into the primary Ukrainian driver within the historical past of karting to win the championship.

Oleksandr, or ‘Sasha’, started his journey in karting in 2014 on the younger age of 5. By age seven, he turned the youngest Ukrainian karting champion and winner of the Rotax Max Challenge Ukraine. Since then he has continued to climb the karting ladder with a formidable report of wins, podiums and pole positions.

The Grove-based outfit stated that “Oleksandr will have the team’s full support and guidance in nurturing his talent and developing his skills throughout his progression in the junior categories of motorsport.”

The rising star has lately joined PREMA’s karting group for the WSK Euro Series occasion in Franciacorta and can compete on this yr’s FIA Karting World Championship that’s set to happen in October.

Commenting on the brand new chapter of his profession, Bondarev stated:“I’m so excited to be a part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy. Williams Racing is among the most iconic groups in motorsport, having had a number of the greatest drivers within the sport race for them and it’s an honour to have the prospect to be a part of that historical past.

“Since I used to be 5 years previous, once I started karting, I dreamt about Formula 1. I’ve a good distance to go, in fact, however this can be a big step for me. I all the time knew that turning into a part of an F1 younger driver programme was essential and I’ll work laborious to repay the arrogance and perception which James and Sven have positioned in me.”

Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets added: “We’re delighted to announce that Oleksandr has joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy. He’s a highly regarded young talent that we’ve monitored for some time. At just 14 years old, he already has several impressive achievements to his name, including the 2023 FIA-CIK European OKJ Championship. Oleksandr has shown a lot of potential at an early age and we look forward to supporting his development as he continues his journey in karting.”


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