Oleksandr Bondarev, nicknamed “Sasha,” has just been admitted to the Williams Racing Pilots Academy, the team announced in a statement. The Ukrainian driver, born in 2009, won the European OK Junior Karting Championship this year. He expresses his honor and enthusiasm to be part of the history of this team, which has welcomed some of the best drivers in the history of F1.
Williams Racing is one of the most iconic teams in motorsport, having had some of the sport’s best drivers race for them, and it is an honor to have the chance to be a part of this history.
Since the age of five and his beginnings in karting, he has dreamed of participating in Formula 1: « Since I was five years old, when I started karting, I dreamed of Formula 1. I still have a long way to go, of course, but it’s a huge step for me. »
« I have always known that joining a young F1 drivers program was crucial, and I will work hard to earn the trust and belief that James Vowles and Sven Smeets have put in me. »
Ukrainian karting champion at the age of seven, he has accumulated numerous victories, podium finishes, and pole positions, demonstrating his talent and potential. Sven Smeets, Sporting Director at Williams Racing, praises his new recruit: « “He is a highly esteemed young talent that we have been keeping an eye on for some time now. At only 14 years old, he already has several impressive achievements under his belt, including the 2023 FIA-CIK OKJ European Championship.” »
Oleksandr Bondarev will also join PREMA’s karting team for an event of the WSK Euro Series at Franciacorta and will later compete in the FIA Karting World Championship later this year.
