Williams Appoints Luke Browning as 2026 F1 Reserve Driver

Williams has officially promoted Academy standout Luke Browning to the role of Formula 1 Reserve Driver for the 2026 season. The 23-year-old Briton earned the step up following a stellar Formula 2 campaign and will balance his F1 responsibilities with a full-time drive in Japan’s Super Formula series.

Why it matters:

As F1 enters a transformative period with new technical regulations, having a skilled and integrated reserve driver is more critical than ever. Browning’s promotion not only rewards his consistent performance in junior formulas but also strengthens Williams' depth, ensuring the team is prepared for any scenario as they fight to return to the front of the grid.

The details:

• Proven Pedigree: Browning secured fourth in the Formula 2 championship with one victory and eight podiums, alongside impressive showings in three FP1 sessions for Williams this year.
• Japanese Challenge: He will race with Kondo Racing in Super Formula, a series renowned for its high level of competition and technical challenge, serving as a perfect training ground for F1 machinery.
• Strategic Value: Team Principal James Vowles emphasized that Browning's previous work in the simulator has been invaluable for the team's development under the new regulations.
• Driver Development: This dual role allows Browning to gain maximum on-track mileage while remaining embedded in the Williams ecosystem, a path viewed as a potential stepping stone to a full-time race seat.

Looking Ahead:

Browning is set to work closely with race drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, immersing himself in the team's operations to aid their development push. The young driver remains bullish on Williams' project, embracing the "underdog" mentality and the infectious energy within the factory as they target a resurgence in the coming years.