Martins joins Williams after Alpine Academy exit

Victor Martins has joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy following his recent exit from Alpine’s counterpart.

Martins had been part of the Enstone-based programme in 2018-19, then from 2021-24, with a one-year hiatus when he narrowly lost the 2019 Formula Renault Eurocup title – and his spot in the academy – to Oscar Piastri.

Although he was eventually crowned in FR Eurocup, as well as 2022 Formula 3 champion, before being the highest-placed rookie in the 2023 F2 season, Martins failed to capitalise on his experience last year; his sophomore F2 season yielded just seventh position amid misfortune compounded by driving errors.

Martins subsequently left Alpine’s academy. “Let’s say my goal and their goal were not on the same line,” the 23-year-old Frenchman succinctly explained earlier this month.

Martins’ new role at Williams will involve “training and guidance to continue refining his skills on and off the racetrack”. He will also get track time at the wheel of the team’s FW45 car from the 2023 F1 season as early as this weekend in Monza, alongside Luke Browning – another Williams junior.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Victor to the Williams Racing Driver Academy,” sporting director Sven Smeets said. “He has repeatedly demonstrated that he is a talented driver who is capable of winning championships. 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.”

 “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,” Martins added. “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.”

Martins’ goal of reaching F1 sounds like a tall order at the moment, with the influx of precocious rookies on the F1 grid seemingly reducing opportunities further down the line, especially for third-year F2 drivers.

Williams does have a history of taking its proteges all the way to F1. Lance Stroll, Nicholas Latifi, Jack Aitken, Logan Sargeant and Franco Colapinto were all given a chance in the world championship, however short-lived it was for some of them.