Carlos Sainz to Miss Austrian GP FP1 as Williams Junior Steps In

Carlos Sainz will sit out first practice for the Austrian Grand Prix as Williams hands his FW48 to reserve driver Luke Browning. The session fulfills mandatory rookie running requirements for 2026, but it comes as speculation over Sainz's future with the team continues to intensify.

Why it matters:

Williams entered the year targeting a major step forward after finishing fifth in 2025, yet the team sits eighth with just 11 points from seven races. Amid the slump, reports indicate Sainz is questioning his stay and has begun eyeing Audi as an alternative, making any disruption to his weekend particularly notable.

The details:

• Luke Browning, who finished fourth in the 2025 F2 standings and serves as Williams' reserve driver for 2026, will make his first FP1 appearance of the season in Sainz's car.
• The 24-year-old also competes in Super Formula, where he sits eighth after four rounds, and insists there is no pressure to post fast lap times.
• Rookie rules: Teams must field drivers with no more than two grand prix starts in four FP1 sessions per season, split across both cars.
• Browning drove three FP1 sessions with Williams last year and was set to run Alex Albon's car in Barcelona, but an electrical issue prevented him from setting a lap.
• Browning told media his goal is to demonstrate readiness for a race seat, stating he now feels fully prepared to drive a Formula 1 car.

What's next:

Browning's outing gives Williams a chance to evaluate a promising talent as it searches for performance gains, but the broader focus remains on Sainz's patience. With Audi looming as a credible alternative, the Spaniard's willingness to endure the team's struggles could define the remainder of the silly season.