Williams Reserve Driver Luke Browning Set for FP1 Sessions in Barcelona and Austria

Williams has confirmed that reserve driver Luke Browning will take the wheel during Free Practice 1 at the upcoming Grands Prix in Barcelona and Austria. This comes after Browning was appointed as the team's reserve driver at the beginning of the 2026 season.

The 24-year-old Brit has been part of the Williams Driver Academy since 2023, and last year, he wrapped up his Formula 2 campaign in fourth place with Hitech GP, boasting nine podium finishes, including a win at Monza. This year, he's been competing in Japan's Super Formula with Team Kondo Racing, achieving a best finish of fourth so far.

Browning expressed his enthusiasm about the opportunity: "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." He added that he's been diligently preparing to maximize these sessions and contribute to the team's race weekend strategies.

Browning is no stranger to F1 practice sessions, having previously driven for Williams in FP1 at Bahrain, Mexico, and Abu Dhabi last year, as well as in Abu Dhabi in 2024. The current regulations require each full-time driver to yield their seat to a rookie in two practice sessions over the season, where a rookie is defined as someone who hasn't started more than two Grands Prix. Alex Albon will make way for Browning in Barcelona, and Carlos Sainz will do the same in Austria.

Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets praised Browning's contributions, noting, "Luke continues to prove himself as a valuable part of the team, both through his simulator work and his performances on track. 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."

Smeets also emphasized the team's commitment to nurturing young talent through the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy, highlighting opportunities like these as key to supporting drivers' growth and careers.

So, as the European season heats up, all eyes will be on Browning as he takes this next step in his F1 journey with Williams.