Santiago Alves, a driver from Sintra, was crowned at age 17 national karting champion in the X30 Senior category, the main class of the Toyota Portugal Karting Championship. The victory was sealed in the fifth and final round of the championship, held at the International Karting Circuit of Braga, where the young driver secured the title after winning the Final, having finished the qualifying heats in second place.
The young driver thus wrapped up a season of great consistency, after having been runner-up national champion in 2025. Following the victory, Santiago Alves stated he was very happy and considered this the highlight of his career, thanking his family, the Paulo Pita Racing Team, and all his friends. The driver also mentioned wanting to try to achieve the double at the Karting Cup of Portugal.
The title also represents the third national karting championship won by the Alves family. His older brother, Nuno Alves, was a two-time national champion in the Junior category, in 2001 and 2002. Throughout his career, Santiago Alves has achieved notable results, including a runner-up national championship in the Beginner category, a victory in the Portugal Open in Cadet, and a third place in the Portugal Junior Karting Championship.
The driver from Sintra now sets his sights on the Karting Cup of Portugal, which will be held on November 21 and 22 at the International Karting Circuit of the West Region, in Bombarral.
