Formula 1 team signs Ukrainian for first time in history
The Formula 1 team Williams Racing has signed 14-year-old Oleksandr Bondarev to its racing academy. Oleksandr will become the first Ukrainian in history to join a youth team in elite motorsport.
Source: Williams Racing official website; Bondarev on Facebook
Quote from Bondarev: "I'm very excited to be joining the Williams Driver Academy. Williams Racing is one of the most iconic teams in motorsport, having had some of the best drivers in the sport race for them, and it's an honour to have the chance to be a part of that history."
Details: Sven Smits, Sporting Director at Williams Racing, said that the team rates the Ukrainian’s talent very highly and had been watching him for some time.
Quote from Smits: "At just 14 years old, he already has several impressive achievements to his name, including the 2023 FIA-CIK European OKJ Championship. Oleksandr has shown a lot of potential at an early age and we look forward to supporting his development as he continues his journey in karting."
For his part, Oleksandr emphasised that he understands what a long way he will have to go to repay the confidence and belief that the team has placed in him.
Quote from Bondarev: "Since I was five years old, when I began karting, I dreamt about Formula 1. I have a long way to go, of course, but this is a huge step for me."
For reference: Williams Racing is an independent British Formula 1 team that was founded in the 1970s and has won nine Constructors' Championships.
The team has featured many Formula 1 legends, including world championship-winning drivers.
The most famous are Ayrton Senna, Alain Prost, Nigel Mansell, Damon Hill, Alan Jones, Keijo Rosberg and Nelson Piquet, to name but a few.
Background: In late July, 14-year-old racer Oleksandr Bondarev became the first Ukrainian in the history of karting to win the title of European champion.
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