The Williams Formula 1 team has announced Alessandro Giusti and Sara Matsui have become the two latest inductees into its driver academy.
Giusti, 17, will return to the Formula Regional European Championship with ART Grand Prix after finishing sixth in his maiden campaign last term with three wins.
The Frenchman graduated to FRECA as 2022 French Formula 4 Champion, which he secured in just his second year of single-seater racing on the back of 12 podiums and two wins.
“I’m so excited to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy,” Giusti said.
“It really feels special to be joining such a prestigious Formula 1 team.
“I cannot wait to start this journey and work closely with the team on my development.”
Matusi is just 13 years of age and the Japanese driver joins the Williams Academy as a 2022 Girls on Track Rising Stars Finalist and has competed in several national karting series – impressing throughout with two top-three championship finishes.
Her 2024 programme will see her compete in OKJ class with Kart Republic and the 2024 Champions of the Future Academy supported by F1 Academy.
“It’s an honour to be part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy and I’m grateful for the opportunity to be working with such an historic team,” said Matusi.
“I’m looking forward to building my experience in Europe and I can’t wait for the season to start!”
Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, added: “We’re delighted to announce Alessandro and Sara as the newest members of the Williams Racing Driver Academy.
“Alessandro has demonstrated great ability behind the wheel in both French F4 and last year in FRECA, with impressive performances in qualifying and races.
“Sara is one of the rising stars in karting, delivering promising results in her home country of Japan and being a 2022 Girls on Track Rising Stars Finalist.
“We look forward to supporting their development as they go racing in 2024 and beyond.”
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