Hungarian karting talent Roland Nagy has taken a major step toward a potential Formula 1 career after joining the karting team and management company founded by two-time Formula 1 world champion Fernando Alonso, while also securing a place in the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team academy.
The 13-year-old driver from Galánta, now based in the international karting scene, was introduced at a press conference in Budapest on Wednesday, where multiple team officials praised both his raw pace and professional attitude.
In a video message, Nuno Pinto, competition director of the Aston Martin academy, described the partnership as ‘the beginning of a long journey’, adding that the team believed Roland’s talent and dedication could eventually lead him to the Formula 1 paddock.
‘Multiple team officials praised both his raw pace and professional attitude’
Iago Fernández, scouting and development director at Alonso’s A14 Management, said the young driver impressed the organization not only with his speed but also with his discipline and commitment.
‘He has that rare combination of passion and discipline that is essential for building a sustainable top-level motorsport career,’ Fernández said.
According to the Spanish specialist, the management team has focused on improving Roland’s aggression and decisiveness in race situations since joining the programme, while helping him integrate technical feedback more effectively.
Alfonso del Castillo, team principal of DPK Racing, highlighted the difficulty of standing out in international karting, saying Roland’s fighting spirit and consistency proved he belongs among the elite young drivers.
‘A weekend where he gains 15 positions in a final race can be just as valuable as a podium finish, because it demonstrates the mental resilience required for long-term success,’ he said.
Roland himself described 2026 as a dream start to his career progression. After signing with DPK Racing, he joined Alonso’s A14 Management before being selected for the Aston Martin academy programme.
‘This gives me complete professional support, which is extremely important for a young racing driver,’ he said. ‘An academy like this prepares you for the world of elite professional sport, paying attention to every small detail.’
The young racer added that he was proud to represent a globally recognized brand such as Aston Martin both on and off the track.
Fit4Race founder and owner Zsolt Matics, who oversees Roland’s physical, mental and cognitive preparation, said the driver has matured significantly during their three years of work together.
‘He takes preparation extremely seriously for his age, and there is still a huge amount of untapped potential in him,’ Matics said.
Roland’s 2026 season will include races in the Champions of the Future series, European Championship rounds, WSK international events and the karting world championship.
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