From cheering on Fernando Alonso at the Hungarian Grand Prix to being in the same team as him, get to know Roland Nagy as he joins the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy.
The Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy has two new recruits, Ava Lawrence and Roland Nagy. Two bright young karters, they both harbour dreams of climbing up the motorsport ranks, and their next step comes with the support and guidance of our Driver Academy, dedicated to identifying and developing the next generation of exceptional motorsport talent.
Roland, a 13-year-old rising star hailing from Hungary, is one of his nation's premier karting talents, rising from a standout 2023 Mini campaign into the elite international Junior ranks. Ahead of his season in the OK-Junior category this year, we caught up with him for a quickfire Q&A.
How excited are you to be joining the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy?
"I'm really pleased to be in the Driver Academy. Aston Martin Aramco will be giving me a lot of support, which will be really important for my career, and I'm excited to learn as much as I can from everyone I meet inside the team."
How did you first get into karting?
"I started karting when I was four years old, and my first competitive race was at five. I got into it because my dad met someone who had a karting team. I tried karting, really liked it, and since I already loved cars, we just continued from there."
What has been the highlight of your career so far?
"I've had some strong results in some of the FIA championship races so far, so I'd say competing in those."
What do you enjoy most about racing?
"My favourite part is overtaking. I love to attack – I don't really enjoy defending! I just really love driving. Racing and going fast feels great."
What would you say is your biggest strength?
"My biggest strength is my speed in all conditions."
Is there an element of your driving you've improved on recently?
"Yes, since last year I've improved a lot in overtaking, defending, and racecraft."
You've toured the AMR Technology Campus. What did you think of it?
"It was really cool. I really liked how it looks, both outside and inside – it's very futuristic. My favourite part was seeing how the cars are made. It's amazing seeing Formula One cars up close and what they look like on the inside."
Did anything surprise you during the visit?
"Yes, during the tour I got to hold a sidepod, and I was really surprised by how light it was. They showed us the inside of it with all the different materials it's made of and it was hard to believe."
How have your friends reacted to the news you're joining the Driver Academy?
"At first, I didn't tell anyone because I was testing for the academy. After everything was confirmed, I told my friends at school. They were really surprised and thought it was cool."
Who is your racing hero?
"My racing hero is Fernando Alonso. I've always liked his driving and the way he pulls off overtakes."
Have you ever been to a Formula One Grand Prix?
"Yes, my first race was the Hungarian Grand Prix in 2023. I remember watching Fernando there and cheering him on."
What did you enjoy most about being there?
"Seeing the cars live on the track was incredible. The speed is amazing compared to watching on TV."
What would you like to see if you visited the Formula One paddock?
"I'd love to see what the mechanics do during sessions and races, especially pit stops."
If you could race at any Formula One circuit, where would it be?
"It's an easy one for me! I'd love to race at the Hungaroring, because it's my home circuit and because it's kind of like a karting track with all the twists and turns but on a bigger scale."
What are your hobbies outside of racing?
"I enjoy cycling, using my simulator for training, and working on my fitness at home."
Do you have any pets?
"Yes, I have a cat and two dogs called Axel, Rocky, and Theo."
What are your ambitions for the future?
"My dream is to race in Formula One, but there are also many other categories I'd love to compete in. I want to get as high up as I can in motorsport and drive some of the fastest cars in the world."
Related content
Aston Martin Aramco expands Driver Academy line-up, welcoming Ava Lawrence and Roland Nagy
Read more
F1 and NASCAR aspirations and wanting to be in Drive to Survive: Meet Ava Lawrence
Read more
In 5: Mathilda Paatz's F1 ACADEMY season opener
Read more
Mathilda Paatz is keeping things simple
Read more
Mari Boya on his F2 debut, his first F1 experience, and advice from Fernando Alonso
Read more
Mari Boya to drive in FIA Formula 2 in 2026
Read more
Meet Mathilda Paatz, our new F1 ACADEMY driver
Read more
Aston Martin Aramco announces Mathilda Paatz as its 2026 F1 ACADEMY representative and Driver Academy member
Read more
Get to know Mari Boya, the first member of the Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy
Read more
Aston Martin Aramco launches Driver Academy, signing Spaniard Mari Boya
Read moreGet to know Roland
One of Hungary's standout karting competitors, Roland Nagy is a rising star and regular contender in the sport's most prestigious series.
Aston Martin Aramco Driver Academy
From karting to single-seaters, the Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team Driver Academy is dedicated to identifying and developing the next generation of exceptional motorsport talent.
The Academy provides a clear path to the top tiers of racing through tailored racecraft mentorship, simulator work, physical training, media coaching and race weekend immersion.
