The 2026 F1 Academy lineup is heating up as Williams announces a 16-year-old French rookie, Jade Jacquet, as their driver for next season. That’s right, the rookie sensation who turned heads in French F4 is now joining hands with Atlassian Williams Racing, racing with powerhouse ART Grand Prix. This isn’t just a seat, it’s a ticket to the Williams Racing Driver Academy, where she’ll get top-tier training at Grove.
Jade Jacquet Recap: From Karting Kid To F1 Academy Star
Lights out, and Jade Jacquet’s career took off faster than a pole-sitter at Monza. She kicked things into gear with international karting in 2023, then dominated the French Junior Karting Championship in 2024. At just 15, she jumped into single-seaters for the 2025 French F4 season, bagging multiple top-20 finishes, like a gritty P11 at the Circuit des 24 Heures du Mans. And she grabbed the Female Trophy at Dijon-Prenois, proving she’s got that killer instinct early.
But wait, that’s not it. The drama peaked at the inaugural F1 Academy Rookie Test, where this firecracker clocked the seventh-fastest time in the afternoon session. Qualifying fifth as a wild card this year? That’s rookie-of-the-year energy right there. Now, stepping up with ART alongside French teammate Lisa Billard, Jade Jacquet is replacing Lia Block. Williams’ Sporting Director Sven Smeets called her a “rapid progress” talent with massive potential, ready to learn and adapt on and off the track.
Why This Signing Screams Future Champ
Williams isn’t just handing Jade Jacquet a car; she’s getting full Academy access, sim work, fitness grind, data dives, all to nurture her rise. “I’m super excited to join the Williams Racing Driver Academy and F1 Academy,” Jade beamed. “The team’s been welcoming, and I can’t wait to hit the track.” With F1 and F1 Academy pushing for more female firepower, this move lights a fire under the grid.
Also read: Arthur Leclerc Joins Charles Leclerc For Abu Dhabi FP1
