Photo: Williams F1
Luke Browning set for practice sessions in Spain and Austria with Williams
Williams has confirmed that its prospect Luke Browning will take part in the opening practice sessions at the Spanish and Austrian Grands Prix, giving the reserve driver another valuable opportunity to gain Formula 1 experience.
Luke Browning is set for an important stage in his Formula 1 development after Williams announced that he will drive in FP1 at the next two race weekends in Spain and Austria.
The British youngster will step into Alex Albon’s car in Barcelona before replacing Carlos Sainz during the Austrian Grand Prix weekend. The appearances will be his fifth and sixth official Formula 1 practice sessions.
For Browning, the outings will also provide his first chance to drive Williams' latest machinery under Formula 1's new power unit era. Although he has completed extensive simulator work as the team's reserve driver, the track sessions will offer invaluable real-world experience.
The 24-year-old has established himself as one of the standout members of the Williams Driver Academy. After finishing fourth in Formula 2 last season, he has continued his development in Super Formula, where he currently sits eighth in the championship.
Running Browning across the next two Grands Prix will also help Williams fulfil the FIA's rookie driver regulations, leaving the team with only two mandatory Free Practice 1 rookie appearances for the remainder of the season.
Browning is looking forward to the challenge and the opportunity to contribute to the team's preparations.
“I’m really excited to get my first experience of the FW48. Having two Free Practice 1 sessions during the European part of the season is a fantastic opportunity, and I’ve been working hard to be as prepared as possible. My goal is to maximise the track time and provide useful feedback to help the team over the race weekends,” he said.
