Williams F1 Team has confirmed Jade Jaquet as its 2026 representative in F1 Academy. The 16 year old French driver will compete across the seven-round season with ART Grand Prix, taking over the seat previously held by Lia Block, who will return to rallying after two seasons in single seaters.
A speedy start
Jaquet admitted the promotion came sooner than expected, underlining just how quickly her trajectory has accelerated.
“It was a total surprise. I thought it might be next year that I’d get to F1 Academy, so this is super quick.”
Her path into single seaters has been anything but conventional. Although she only entered international karting in 2023, Jaquet’s background spans multiple sports, including horse riding, breakdancing, and judo. That adaptability translated quickly onto the track, where she collected several top-five finishes in French junior karting.
Her performances caught the attention of the FFSA, which supported her step up to French Formula 4 in 2025. Standout moments from that season included a P11 finish at Le Mans and victory in the Female Trophy at Dijon-Prenois, where she shared the circuit with fellow F1 Academy rookie Lisa Billard.
What the future holds
A key reference point in Jaquet’s progression came during the Navarra rookie test in September 2025, the first event of its kind held specifically for F1 Academy prospects. Eighteen drivers were selected to run in equal machinery, with evaluations extending beyond outright lap time.
Jaquet finished inside a tightly packed top ten in both sessions, impressing with her adaptability and composure in a high-pressure environment. That performance, combined with her broader development curve, helped secure ART Grand Prix’s backing for 2026.
Competition within the team will be intense. Lisa Billard, who also impressed in Navarra, will line up alongside Jaquet at ART GP next season. The all-French pairing sets up one of the most closely watched line-ups on the grid.
For now, Jade Jaquet is focused on preparation, working on her fitness programme at Williams’ Grove headquarters and building towards her first full F1 Academy campaign. The long-term ambition is clear, but the immediate goal is simple: learn fast, stay competitive, and make the most of an opportunity that has arrived earlier than anyone expected.
