Williams reserve driver Luke Browning will drive the team’s 2026 Formula 1 challenger at the next two Grand Prix weekends, as the Briton is set to compete in Free Practice 1 during events in Barcelona and Austria.
The 24-year-old was handed the role of reserve driver at the start of the season, having been part of the Williams Driver Academy since 2023.
Browning finished fourth in last season’s Formula 2 standings with Hitech GP, having achieved nine podiums – including a win at the Feature Race in Monza.
This season, Browning has moved into Super Formula, Japan’s premier single-seater racing series, with Team Kondo Racing and achieved a best result of fourth so far.
“I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the FW48 for the first time, and to have two opportunities to experience the car first-hand in the European season makes it even more special,” said Browning.
“I’ve been working hard to prepare so that I can make the most of these sessions and help the team plan and prepare for the race weekends ahead. I’m incredibly thankful to everyone at Atlassian Williams F1 Team for their continued trust and support, and I can’t wait to get out on track.”
Browning has already taken part in official F1 sessions during his career, having also driven for Williams in FP1 at Bahrain, Mexico and Abu Dhabi last season, as well as Abu Dhabi in 2024.
Under F1’s regulations, every full-time driver is required to make way for a rookie – viewed as someone who has started no more than two Grands Prix – in two practice sessions across the 2026 season.
Alex Albon will hand over his car to Browning for this weekend’s Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix, while Carlos Sainz will step aside at the Austrian Grand Prix two weeks later.
“Luke continues to prove himself as a valuable part of the team, both through his simulator work and his performances on track,” said Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets.
“Giving him his first opportunity to get behind the wheel of the FW48 across two race weekends is an important step in his development and a natural progression.
“We have a talented group of young drivers in the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy, and we’re pleased to continue providing opportunities like this to support drivers’ progression and development.”
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