Atlassian Williams F1 Team Names Luke Browning as Reserve Driver for 2026, Confirms Driver Academy Line-up

Grove, UK: Atlassian Williams F1 Team has announced that Luke Browning will serve as the team’s Formula 1 Reserve Driver for the 2026 season, while also contesting his rookie campaign in the Japanese Super Formula Championship with Team Kondo Racing. The announcement comes alongside confirmation of the 2026 Williams F1 Driver Academy line-up, underlining the team’s commitment to developing future Formula One talent.

Browning Earns Reserve Role After Standout F2 Season

Browning steps into the Reserve Driver role following an impressive FIA Formula 2 season in 2025, where he finished fourth overall in his debut year with Hitech GP. The British driver claimed nine podiums and one victory, highlighted by a dominant weekend in Italy where he secured pole position before converting it into a feature race win.

In his new role, Browning will support Williams’ push back toward the front of the grid as Formula One enters a new technical regulations era in 2026. His responsibilities will include race weekend stand-by duties, simulator sessions, and extensive data analysis to aid car development.

Super Formula Debut with Team Kondo Racing

Alongside his Formula 1 commitments, Browning will compete in Japan’s Super Formula Championship, widely regarded as the second-fastest single-seater series in the world after Formula One. Racing with Team Kondo, the programme is seen as a critical step in his progression toward a future full-time F1 seat.

Proven Path Through the Williams Driver Academy

Browning’s promotion is the latest milestone in a successful journey through the Williams F1 Driver Academy, which he joined in 2023. Since then, he has won the Macau Grand Prix, finished third in the FIA Formula 3 Championship, and previously secured titles in the 2020 F4 British Championship and 2022 GB3 Championship.

He has also gained valuable Formula 1 experience, making three FP1 appearances in the FW47 and participating in the Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, driving the FW45.

2026 Williams F1 Driver Academy Line-up Confirmed

Williams also confirmed a strong and diverse 2026 Driver Academy roster, featuring emerging talent from across the globe:

• Alessandro Giusti (France): Enters his second FIA Formula 3 season with MP Motorsport, targeting the championship after two podiums in 2025
• Jade Jacquet (France): Joins the Academy to compete in F1 Academy with ART Grand Prix after impressing in French F4
• Kean Nakamura-Berta (Japan/Slovakia): New recruit set to race in Formula Regional Middle East and European championships, and reigning Italian F4 champion
• Oleksandr Bondarev (Ukraine): Continues in Italian F4 with Prema Racing, aiming for the title after a race win at Imola
• Dean Hoogendoorn (Netherlands): Steps up to OK karting following multiple junior karting titles
• Will Green (UK): Returns to the OKJ category after three wins in 2025
• Lucas Palacio (USA): Moves into OKJ karting after winning the WSK Super Master Series OKNJ Championship at just 11 years old

Team Reaction

Browning described the Reserve Driver appointment as a major career milestone. “I’m incredibly excited to be stepping up as Reserve Driver with Atlassian Williams F1 Team,” he said. “The Academy has been instrumental in my growth, and Super Formula will be an exciting new challenge as I continue my journey toward a full-time Formula 1 seat.”

Team Principal James Vowles praised Browning’s development, highlighting the value of his simulator and FP1 contributions, while Sporting Director Sven Smeets emphasised the importance of the Driver Academy in shaping Williams’ long-term future.