Son of former Formula One racer Satoru, Kazuki Nakajima got his Formula One test break with Williams Toyota in 2007.

Under the watchful eye of his Father, Nakajima became Suzuka Formula ICA karting champion at the age of 14 before becoming part of the Toyota Young Driver programme. In 2003 Nakajima competed in Formula Toyota in Japan taking the title before finishing fifth and then second in Japanese F3 in 2004 and 2005 respectively.

Formula 3 Euroseries followed in 2006 with Manor Motorsport where Nakajima finished the season in seventh position. However, with Toyota supplying the Williams team with its engines in 2007, the door opened for Nakajima to grab the testing role with both hands.

With Alex Wurz failing to shine at Williams, the team opted to give Nakajima his Grand Prix debut at the season finale in Brazil. Nakajima qualified 19th and despite knocking over his pit crew during his pit stop, finished in tenth position.

The Japanese racer gets a full time ride with Williams in 2008 alongside Nico Rosberg.