Williams reserve driver Luke Browning, the first driver James Vowles signed after taking the team helm in 2023, will take part in Friday’s first practice (FP1) at the Barcelona Grand Prix and again at the Red Bull Ring. The 24‑year‑old will also run the 2025 Williams at Austin as part of his ongoing testing programme, after previous outings at the Hungarering and Monza. Browning says the extra track time in the 2026 car is intended to demonstrate he can handle the new technical package and be ready if a full‑time seat opens up.
Browning’s path to the role began in Formula 3, where his work as a Mercedes simulator driver caught Vowles’s eye. He has logged countless virtual laps on the 2026 chassis and, after a season in Super Formula, posted a fourth‑place finish at Motegi and another fourth at Suzuka, sitting eighth overall in a series known for its demanding set‑up work. He argues that his extensive sim experience and the hands‑on learning in Super Formula give him a “massive advantage” with the complex 2026 cars. With Williams already promoting academy graduate Franco Colapinto this year, Browning hopes strong FP1 performances will convince the team he is the logical reserve should Carlos Sainz or Alex Albon become unavailable.
