Here's the thing about early announcements: they usually mean a team and a driver have found a match they genuinely believe in. Trident have officially locked in Kean Nakamura-Berta for the 2027 FIA Formula 3 campaign, making him the very first driver confirmed on the grid for that upcoming season.
It is a massive step up for a young driver who has been quietly dismantling junior categories. After leaping out of karting in 2023, Nakamura-Berta stacked up an extraordinary junior record, taking the 2025 Italian F4 and E4 Championships titles. He did not slow down in 2026 either, claiming the Formula Regional Middle East Trophy title alongside a third-place finish in the Formula Regional European Championship.
Now, the Williams Driver Academy member is ready for the next level. "I’m pleased to be stepping up to F3 with TRIDENT Motorsport while still having the ongoing support of the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy," said Nakamura-Berta. "Finishing the season strongly in FREC and having the opportunity to join such a competitive team in F3 gives me great confidence as I look ahead to my F3 debut next year. A big thank you to everyone involved who helped get me here."
Trident Team Manager Giacomo Ricci made it clear that this partnership has been brewing for a while. Ricci noted that the squad has followed the young driver closely, watching his steady rise through karting and Formula Regional, and expressed total confidence that the outfit is the right environment for his full potential to blossom in the championship.
Over at Williams, the pride is palpable. Williams F1 Team Sporting Director Sven Smeets called it a proud moment to watch the young talent make the jump to Trident for his rookie season, pointing to his relentless hard work and the impressive progress he has shown since joining the Academy.
So, the chess pieces for 2027 are starting to move. If his past championship-winning machines are any indication, the grid should prepare itself for a serious challenger.
