Williams Confirms Victor Martins as Reserve Driver for Canadian GP

Victor Martins will serve as Williams' reserve driver at the Canadian Grand Prix, the team confirmed. The French driver replaces Luke Browning, who is competing in the Super Formula championship at Suzuka this weekend.

Why it matters:

A reliable reserve driver is critical for any team's race weekend operations. With Browning unavailable due to a schedule conflict, Williams ensures full coverage by promoting Martins, who has already integrated into the team's 2026 plans as a test and development driver.

The details:

• Martins joined the Williams Driver Academy in 2025 and was confirmed as test and development driver for the 2026 season.
• He currently races in the World Endurance Championship for Alpine, alongside his F1 duties.
• Browning's Super Formula race in Japan leaves a gap in Montreal, but Williams' depth in its reserve pool allows a seamless swap.
• Martins gained F1 track time during a free practice session for Williams at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix.

The big picture:

This weekend is a landmark for North American motorsport. The Canadian Grand Prix is the centerpiece of a Sunday that also features the Indianapolis 500 and the NASCAR Coca-Cola 600. Fans will enjoy over ten hours of non-stop racing across three premier series, highlighting the continent's rich racing culture and the global reach of Formula 1.

What's next:

Martins will be on standby at Circuit Gilles Villeneuve. If no unexpected driver changes occur, Browning is expected to resume his reserve role for future rounds, keeping Williams well-covered for the remainder of the 2026 season.