Kazuki Nakajima (born January 11, 1985) is a Japanese former racing driver who competed in Formula 1 with Williams from the end of the 2007 season until 2009. Nakajima has also notably won the 24 Hours of Le Mans three times from 2018 to 2020, driving alongside fellow F1 veterans Fernando Alonso, Sébastien Buemi, and Brendon Hartley.
Formula 1 Debut
The Japanese driver signed with Williams for a test driver role for 2007. After an abrupt and unexpected retirement announcement by Williams racing driver Alexander Wurz the day after the 2007 Chinese Grand Prix, Nakajima made his F1 racing debut at the season finale in Brazil.
Full Time Williams Seat
In late 2007, Williams confirmed Nakajima for a 2008 race seat alongside Nico Rosberg. The Japanese driver finished the season 15th overall, with a best finish of sixth which he achieved at the season opener in Australia. The result would remain his career best, as Nakajima failed to score points in his second and final F1 season with Williams.
Oris
Oris was the Official Watch Partner of Williams during Nakajjima’s time with the British team, and released the Kazuki Nakajima Day Date Limited Edition (ref. 635.7613.47.84.RS) in late 2008 to commemorate the Japanese driver’s first F1 season. Based on the first Oris Williams F1 Team Day Date released earlier in the year, the PVD coated signature timepiece featured Nakajima’s logo on the red rotor, printed signature on the dial, red and white second hand accents inspired by the Japanese flag, and limited to 1,088 pieces.
Related Pages
References
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/wurz-confirms-immediate-retirement-from-f1-4413104/4413104/
https://web.archive.org/web/20071129204122/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/11/7071.html
https://watchpaper.com/2009/01/28/unmistakably-oris-unmistakably-kazuki/
https://masterhorologer.com/2009/01/15/oris-kazuki-nakajima-day-date-limited-edition-42mm-stainless-steel-case-automatic-movement-black-dial/