Victory for Slakteris in Viverone – UIM F4 World Championship

Latvia’s Nils Slakteris claimed a thrilling victory at Lake Viverone in northern Italy to secure the 2025 UIM F4 World Championship title. Against a backdrop of stunning scenery, seventeen elite drivers fought for the coveted crown in a weekend of high-stakes racing that kept fans captivated from start to finish.

With the championship points finely balanced, every lap counted. France’s Jean Baptiste-Thomas topped the timesheets in free practice, narrowly ahead of Slakteris. Sweden’s Adam Wrenkler set the pace through qualifying, before Norway’s William Leithe-Martinsen stole pole position. The opening race delivered drama when French drivers Lucas Boyard and Pierre Lambert collided, ending both their challenges. Leithe-Martinsen suffered mechanical failure while leading, allowing Baptiste-Thomas to take the win and level the championship points with Slakteris.

Sunday’s finale dawned bright and calm. Slakteris dominated free practice but faced a setback when disqualified in Q3, handing pole to Leithe-Martinsen. Undeterred, Slakteris entered the race knowing that whoever finished ahead between him and Baptiste-Thomas would take the world title.

Leithe-Martinsen led from start to finish, but the real battle raged behind. As the lake conditions worsened, Baptiste-Thomas lost power, giving Slakteris the vital opportunity to move ahead. Holding his nerve through the final laps, Slakteris crossed the line to secure the UIM F4 World Championship title for the RIGA Powerboat Racing Team.

Leithe-Martinsen took the race win, with Hungary’s Attila Horváth second and Wrenkler third. Baptiste-Thomas finished fifth, claiming the silver medal, while Wrenkler secured bronze.

An emotional Slakteris said: “That was so tough, one of the toughest races of my life. At the start of the race I didn’t think i’d be standing here as World Champion…I have to thank all of my family and team for helping me achieve this I’m so happy.”

F4 UIM Race Director Jeni Jelf added: “The event was fantastic and what an exhilarating race…The future in the F4 Powerboat series is strong and next year’s championship is going to be even bigger and better.

For more information, visit: