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Japan Kazuki Nakajima is a decorated racing driver and motorsport executive, transitioning from a successful career in Formula One and endurance racing to a leadership role with Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe.
Toyota has partnered with Haas F1 Racing, and Morizo in initiatives focused on advancing motorsport and empowering children in driving. Kazuki Nakajima was selected by Toyota as part of its Young Driver Programme and later became a full-time LMP1 driver. He subsequently became Vice-Chairman of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe in 2021.
Haas and TOYOTA GAZOO Racing have teamed up to advance motorsport and allow children to chase their dreams of driving the world's fastest cars. This partnership impacts a broad spectrum focusing on promoting driving and technological literacy worldwide.
Kazuki Nakajima has engaged with Corvette Racing, as seen through his social media posts, indicating a connection or support for the team.
Kazuki Nakajima has mentioned Aston Martin in his social media, suggesting an interaction or interest in the brand.
Kazuki Nakajima's social media indicates discussions or interactions related to Formula 1, reflecting his past involvement as a driver in the series.
Acronis announced a new technology partnership with TOYOTA GAZOO Racing WEC Team, becoming its Official Artificial Intelligence Partner. This collaboration focuses on leveraging AI to enhance performance and data management for the racing team.
In the Suzuka race, Toyota Gazoo Racing welcomed Kawasaki Heavy Industries as a new partner. This partnership aims for carbon neutrality, signifying a joint effort towards sustainable motorsport.
Iwatani Corporation joined Toyota Gazoo Racing as a new partner for the Suzuka race, contributing to the team's goals of achieving carbon neutrality.
Honda is actively involved in the SUPER FORMULA NEXT 50 project, which supports drivers in the SUPER FORMULA series, where Kazuki Nakajima previously competed and achieved success.
Kazuki Nakajima raced for Petronas Team TOM'S in both Formula Nippon and Super GT. Petronas is a major sponsor in motorsports, particularly in Formula Nippon (now Super Formula) and Super GT, supporting teams like TOM'S.
Kazuki Nakajima was born on January 11, 1985, in Okazaki, Aichi, Japan. His father, Satoru Nakajima, was a notable Formula 1 driver for Honda. Kazuki began his racing career in karting in 1996, becoming the Suzuka Formula ICA karting champion three years later. He was later selected by Toyota for their Young Driver Programme, a development that saw him join a rival company to his father’s previous affiliations. Nakajima secured the Formula Toyota title in 2003 and then competed in the Japanese Formula 3 series with TOM’S-Toyota, finishing as runner-up in his second season in 2005. He then moved to Europe, racing in the Formula 3 Euroseries in 2006, where he finished seventh behind drivers such as Sebastian Vettel and Paul di Resta. By the end of 2006, he was named a Williams F1 test driver, backed by Toyota. In 2007, he raced in GP2 for DAMS, finishing fifth in the championship as the highest-placed rookie. He made his Formula 1 debut with Williams at the Brazilian Grand Prix that same year, finishing 10th and setting the fifth fastest lap. He continued with Williams in 2008 and 2009, scoring points in five races in 2008, including breaking a record at Monaco as the first Japanese driver to score points there.
After his Formula 1 career, Nakajima returned to Japanese racing, competing in Formula Nippon. He joined TOM’S in 2011, finishing as runner-up in the championship, and also began racing in the Japanese Super GT series with Lexus. In 2012, he won the Super Formula title and was selected by Toyota for the FIA World Endurance Championship, winning races at Fuji and finishing second at Silverstone. He became a full-time Toyota LMP1 driver in 2015. Over his endurance racing career, he achieved significant success, including five WEC race victories in 2017. A turning point came in 2018 when he, alongside Sébastien Buemi and Fernando Alonso, won the 24 Hours of Le Mans. The team repeated this victory in 2019, securing the 2018–19 FIA World Endurance Championship, making Nakajima the second Japanese FIA world champion. He continued his success at Le Mans, winning again in 2020. In 2020 and 2021, he finished second in the FIA World Endurance Championship.
At the end of the 2021 season, Kazuki Nakajima retired from racing to assume the role of Vice-Chairman of Toyota Gazoo Racing Europe. In this executive position, he has contributed to Toyota’s success, with the team winning three consecutive World Manufacturers’ Championship titles from 2022 to 2024. Throughout his career, Nakajima has demonstrated consistent performance and dedication across multiple racing disciplines.
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