Browning on track with Williams in Abu Dhabi, no running for Martins

He is the academy's number one hope. WilliamsThe Grove stable is placing a lot of faith in Luke Browning, a pure homegrown talent who shines in Formula 2 (3rd in the championship), and will thank him for his work by offering him a third free practice session this season at the wheel of the FW47.

After racing in Bahrain and Mexico, the Briton will be back on track in Abu Dhabi, coinciding with his final Formula 2 weekend, where he will attempt to close the 27-point gap to Leonardo Fornaroli and clinch the title. Even better, Browning will return to the wheel of the Williams on the Monday following the Grand Prix, during the traditional test day dedicated to young drivers.

“It will be an unforgettable weekend in Abu Dhabi: fighting for the Formula 2 title while getting back behind the wheel of the FW47 is a challenge I’m eager to take on.” Luke Browning confides. “The young driver test will be my last opportunity to help the team prepare for 2026, and I’m delighted to be taking part in one last weekend of Formula 1 this season. Thank you to the entire Driver Academy team and to Williams for their continued confidence.

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Martins will no longer drive in Free Practice 1 with Williams

“Luke’s development continues to impress us, and we look forward to finishing the season with him driving the FW47,” he said.Sven Smeets, Williams sporting director and head of young drivers. “We have an extremely talented group of drivers within the Williams Racing Driver Academy, and it’s essential for us to provide them with opportunities to progress as they move up the ranks. These final sessions of the season will offer Luke a valuable opportunity to learn from Alex and Carlos, as well as the entire team, and to better integrate into our on-track operations as he looks ahead to a promising future.”

Luke Browning has lived up to expectations: winner of the Macau Grand Prix in 2023 and third in the Formula 2 championship in 2024, he has made a perfect start in the feeder series to Formula 1. However, this also means that Victor Martins, another member of the academy, will not be driving again this season. After completing his first Free Practice 1 session in Barcelona, ​​the Frenchman will not return to the wheel of a Grove Formula 1 car before leaving the academy at the end of the season. His prospects now lead him to explore opportunities in the... WECWhere Alpine discusses with its representatives, as well as in the United States, where theIndyCar represents another option.