Kean crowned Formula Regional Middle East Trophy champion

Stellar consistency seals Lusail comeback

Published

13 FEB 2026

Est. reading time

2 min

Kean Nakamura-Berta produced a flawless weekend in Qatar to overturn a 24-point deficit and secure the 2026 Formula Regional Middle East Trophy title.

Heading into the final round at Lusail, Kean had finished inside the top five every time he saw the chequered flag, keeping himself firmly in contention. However, the potential 75 points on offer across the weekend were reduced to 50 following the cancellation of one of the three scheduled races, raising the stakes even further.

Our Japanese-Slovak racer knew qualifying would be crucial to keeping his title hopes alive, and he delivered emphatically.

A double pole position across both qualifying sessions ensured his destiny was in his control.

Kean navigated a Safety Car restart to lead from lights to flag in Race 1, securing victory and reducing the championship gap to just seven points. With his nearest challenger starting seventh for the final race, the equation was clear: another win would mean his rival would have to finish second.

The final race was anything but straightforward. An early red flag neutralised proceedings shortly after the start, but Kean had executed a clean getaway and remained composed through the interruption.

Once racing resumed, it became a measured drive to the finish. Kean controlled the race from the front to secure P1, and with his nearest challenger unable to make progress from P7, the comeback was complete.

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From 24 points down to Formula Regional Middle East Trophy champion in his rookie Formula Regional campaign, an exceptional turnaround under pressure.

It marks Kean’s first title since joining the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy and continues his impressive momentum after being crowned Italian F4 champion last season.

Congratulations to Kean from everyone at Grove!

It wasn’t our only celebration in Lusail, as Oleksandr Bondarev also secured the UAE4 Series crown. Click here to read more.

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