Luke Browning Set for Two Williams F1 Practice Appearances in 2026 Season

Grove, England, June 10, 2026: Atlassian Williams F1 Team has confirmed that reserve driver Luke Browning will participate in two Formula 1 Free Practice 1 sessions during the 2026 season, taking the wheel of the FW48 at both the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona and the Austrian Grand Prix.

The highly-rated British driver will replace Alex Albon during FP1 at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix and stand in for Carlos Sainz during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend.

The sessions will mark Browning’s fourth and fifth Formula 1 practice appearances with Williams and represent a significant milestone in his development as one of the team’s most promising young talents.

First Experience of Formula 1’s New Technical Era

The upcoming outings will provide Browning with his first opportunity to drive the Williams FW48 under Formula 1’s latest technical regulations. Beyond gaining valuable track experience, the sessions will allow the 23-year-old to deepen his understanding of the new-generation car while contributing data that could assist Williams in refining its package throughout the remainder of the campaign.

The appearances will also count toward Williams’ mandatory rookie driver session allocation for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

Browning’s Rapid Rise Through the Ranks

Browning earned promotion to Williams Reserve Driver for 2026 after an impressive rise through the junior categories. He finished third in the FIA Formula 3 Championship in 2024 before securing fourth place in the fiercely competitive FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2025 as part of the Williams Driver Academy.

In his reserve driver role, Browning has become an integral part of Williams’ development programme, contributing simulator work, engineering feedback and race weekend support throughout the season.

Away from Formula 1, Browning is competing in Japan’s prestigious Super Formula Championship with Team Kondo Racing. The series, widely regarded as the fastest single-seater championship outside Formula 1, currently sees the Briton sitting eighth in the standings.

Browning Excited for FW48 Opportunity

Speaking about the announcement, Browning expressed his enthusiasm for 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.”

The Williams Academy graduate added that he has been preparing extensively to maximise the sessions and contribute to the team’s race weekend preparations.

Williams Continues Commitment to Young Talent

Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets highlighted Browning’s contribution to the team and the importance of providing opportunities for academy drivers.

Smeets noted that Browning’s simulator work and performances on track have demonstrated his value to the team, making the step into FP1 sessions a natural progression in his development pathway.

The move reinforces Williams’ long-standing commitment to nurturing emerging talent through its Driver Academy programme, which has helped develop several drivers who have progressed to the highest levels of international motorsport.

With two Formula 1 practice sessions now scheduled, Browning will have a valuable opportunity to showcase his abilities on the grand stage as Williams continues investing in the next generation of racing talent.