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Jade Jacquet is a 16-year-old French racing driver who secured a coveted seat with Williams Racing for the 2026 F1 Academy season, representing one of the fastest progressions through France’s federal racing program.

EARLY YEARS

Born December 1, 2009, in Upper France, Jacquet didn’t initially dream of racing cars. Before discovering karting, she was an active kid who tried everything—horse riding, breakdancing, and judo. She’s always loved sports, and that restless energy eventually found its home behind the wheel. Jacquet made her international karting debut in 2023, relatively late compared to many drivers who start as young children. But what she lacked in early starts, she made up for in raw determination and rapid skill development.

OTHER INTERESTS

Racing may dominate her schedule now, but Jacquet still makes time for fitness, hitting the gym regularly to maintain the physical conditioning required for competitive motorsport. Her background in judo and breakdancing gave her a strong foundation in discipline, body control, and mental toughness—all qualities that translate beautifully to the demands of racing. She balances her studies with training at the Pôle France program in Le Mans, supported by the FFSA Academy, proving she’s as committed to her education as she is to her racing career.

EARLY SUCCESS

Jacquet turned heads during the 2024 French Junior Karting Championship, where she quickly made a name for herself despite being new to the international scene. Her performance caught the attention of those watching France’s federal training pathway, and she was integrated into the prestigious Pôle France program. At just 15 years old in 2025, she made her debut in the French F4 Championship—a significant leap from karting to single-seaters. Her standout performance came with a P12 finish at Nogaro, demonstrating she could compete with drivers who had more experience in formula cars. She also claimed Female Trophy honors at Lédenon, securing multiple top-20 finishes throughout her rookie season.

NOTABLE ACHIEVEMENTS

• 2023: Made international karting debut[1].
• 2024: Competed in French Junior Karting Championship, gaining national attention[2].
• 2024: Competed in RMC International Trophy – Junior Max[3].
• 2025: Made French F4 Championship debut as a 15-year-old rookie[4].
• 2025: Achieved P12 finish at Nogaro in French F4[5].
• 2025: Won Female Trophy at Lédenon in French F4[6].
• 2025: Participated in landmark F1 Academy Rookie Test at Navarra, posting fastest lap time of 1:47.907 over 83 laps[7].
• 2025: Signed to Williams Racing Driver Academy[8].

INSPIRATIONS

Information about Jacquet’s specific inspirations is not available in the provided research.

REPUTATION

At 16, Jacquet embodies what the French federal pathway can produce when talent meets opportunity. Williams Racing praised her rapid progress and strong potential, noting she’s already demonstrated her ability to learn quickly and adapt. The FFSA Academy highlights her as proof that their training programs work—she’s developed the maturity and speed necessary to compete at higher levels in an incredibly short timeframe. Her progression from karting newcomer in 2023 to F1 Academy driver in 2026 is the kind of trajectory that makes teams take notice. She’s known for being coachable, dedicated, and hungry to improve, qualities that matter just as much as lap times in the early stages of a racing career.

FUTURE GOALS/PLANS

In 2026, Jacquet will compete in F1 Academy with ART Grand Prix under the Williams Racing banner, succeeding Lia Block as the team’s representative. She’ll join fellow French driver Lisa Billard on the ART roster. As part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, she’ll work closely with the team at their Grove facility, receiving support for her learning and development to maximize her potential. The goal is clear: use F1 Academy as a proving ground while building relationships and skills within a Formula 1 team structure. Williams is investing in her future, and she’ll need to deliver results to justify that faith and continue climbing the motorsport ladder.

REFERENCES

Williams recruit rookie Jade Jacquet for 2026 F1 ACADEMY season – Formula 1

F1 Academy 2026 – The Federal Training Program in the Spotlight with Three Selected Drivers – FFSA Academy

Jade Jacquet: Get to know our new F1 Academy driver – Williams F1

Jade Jacquet secures Williams seat in F1 Academy – Racers Behind the Helmet

F1 Academy names 18 rising stars for first-ever Rookie Test at Navarra – Racers Behind the Helmet

French F4: Lisa Billard Takes Double Female Trophy Win as Jade Jacquet Shines in race 3 at Lédenon – Racers Behind the Helmet

French F4: 2025 season guide – Feeder Series

Jade Jacquet – Liquipedia Formula 1 Wiki

Jade Jacquet – Driver Database

V6-44-SA-SQ-JADE JACQUET – BRM Chronographes