William Jonathan Richard Stevens Bio
William Jonathan Richard Stevens, born on 28 June 1991 in Rochford, Essex, England, is a British racing driver currently competing in the FIA World Endurance Championship for Cadillac Hertz Team Jota. He raced in Formula One from 2014 to 2015 and won the 2022 FIA World Endurance Championship in the LMP2 class with Jota. Stevens began his motorsport career in karting before progressing through various racing series in Britain and internationally.
Early Life and Background
William Stevens was born in Rochford, Essex, England. He started karting at the age of 12 in 2003, initially competing in the National Cadet Championship. After a year, he advanced to the Rotax Mini Max category, racing in multiple championships across Britain and beyond. His early karting career included finishing seventh in the Rotax class of the Super One Championship, a notable British karting series.
Following his karting success, Stevens transitioned to single-seater racing, joining Formula Renault 2.0. His formative years in motorsport were marked by steady progression through competitive junior formulas, laying the foundation for his professional racing career.
Path to Formula One
Stevens moved up the racing ladder through Formula Renault 2.0 UK and Eurocup, finishing seventh and fourth respectively in these championships. He then advanced to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series, where he gained valuable experience and achieved podium finishes, ending fourth in the 2013 season standings. His performances in these series attracted attention from higher-level teams.
In October 2014, Stevens joined Marussia as a reserve driver and made his Formula One debut with Caterham at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In 2015, he drove for Manor Marussia, participating in several Grands Prix and gaining experience in the top tier of motorsport. His time in Formula One was marked by consistent efforts to establish himself in a highly competitive environment.
William Jonathan Richard Stevens Career
Early Career (2003–2013)
Stevens began karting in 2003 and quickly progressed through the ranks, competing in the National Cadet Championship and Rotax Mini Max categories. His transition to car racing started in Formula Renault 2.0 UK, where he finished seventh in 2009 and improved to fourth in 2010. In 2011, he competed in the Formula Renault 2.0 Eurocup, finishing fourth overall.
He stepped up to the Formula Renault 3.5 Series in 2012, finishing 12th in his rookie season. The following year, Stevens secured five podiums and finished fourth in the championship, demonstrating his growing competitiveness in higher-level single-seater racing.
Formula One Breakthrough (2014–2015)
Stevens made his Formula One debut at the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with Caterham, finishing 17th. In 2015, he raced for Manor Marussia, participating in multiple Grands Prix. Although the team faced technical challenges, Stevens managed to finish several races ahead of his teammates, including a 15th place finish in China and 17th in Canada. His time in Formula One provided valuable experience at the sport’s highest level.
Endurance Racing and GT Series (2016–Present)
After Formula One, Stevens transitioned to endurance and GT racing. In 2016, he competed in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Manor Motorsport and the Blancpain GT Series with W Racing Team, driving an Audi R8 LMS. In 2017, Stevens raced in the Blancpain GT Series Sprint and Endurance Cups, Blancpain GT Asia Series, and the Audi R8 LMS Cup, achieving his first GT3 win at Zolder and finishing second in the Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup.
Stevens also won the GTE Am class at the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans with JMW Motorsport, driving a Ferrari 488 Italia GTE. In 2018, he joined the Panis-Barthez LMP2 Team for the European Le Mans Series and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Since 2018, Stevens has worked with McLaren as a test and development driver, contributing primarily through simulator work and participating in private tests.
Driving Style and Strengths
Stevens is known for his adaptability across different racing disciplines, demonstrating strong racecraft and consistency in endurance events. His experience in single-seaters and GT cars has honed his technical feedback and strategic approach, making him a valuable asset in team endurance efforts. His partnerships with various teams have showcased his ability to collaborate effectively with engineers and crew chiefs.
Notable Races and Milestones
Stevens’ victory in the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans GTE Am class stands out as a career highlight, showcasing his endurance racing prowess. His Formula One debut in 2014 and subsequent races with Manor Marussia marked significant milestones in his career. The 2022 FIA World Endurance Championship LMP2 title with Jota further cemented his status as a top endurance driver.
William Jonathan Richard Stevens Career Wins
Throughout his career, Stevens has accumulated wins and podiums across multiple racing categories, including notable victories in endurance racing and GT championships. His success in the 24 Hours of Le Mans and the FIA World Endurance Championship highlights his achievements in sports car racing.
Endurance and GT Racing Highlights
Stevens won the GTE Am class at the 2017 24 Hours of Le Mans with JMW Motorsport. He also secured the 2022 FIA World Endurance Championship title in the LMP2 class with Jota. In the Blancpain GT Series Sprint Cup, he achieved his first GT3 win at Zolder in 2017 and finished second in the championship that year.
Other Performances
In addition to his endurance and GT racing success, Stevens has shown competitive performances in Formula Renault and Formula Renault 3.5 Series, with multiple podium finishes and strong championship standings during his early career.
William Jonathan Richard Stevens Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Details about Stevens’ family background and racing lineage are not publicly documented or verified.
Personal Life
Information regarding Stevens’ personal life, including marital status and family, is not publicly available.
2025 Season Performance
Looking ahead to the 2025 season, William Stevens is expected to continue competing with Cadillac Hertz Team Jota in the FIA World Endurance Championship. His experience and recent championship success position him as a key contender in endurance racing. Stevens’ ongoing collaboration with McLaren as a test and development driver may also influence his racing activities and opportunities in the coming season.