Williams Names Luke Browning as 2026 Reserve Driver

Williams has appointed Luke Browning as the team's official reserve driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The British driver, a member of the Williams Driver Academy since 2023, steps into the role after gaining valuable track experience with three Free Practice 1 appearances in 2025. His promotion marks a strategic shift for the Grove-based squad, which previously relied on Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas for reserve duties throughout the current season.

Why it matters:

Establishing a dedicated reserve driver is crucial for Williams as it aims to stabilize its operations and foster internal talent. With Browning holding a Super Licence and having finished third in Formula 3 and fourth in Formula 2, the team ensures it has a capable and ready replacement familiar with their car should the need arise during race weekends.

The details:

• Dual Role: Browning, soon to be 24, will balance his F1 reserve duties with a maiden campaign in Super Formula, a commitment that creates scheduling conflicts.
• Unavailable Weekends: Due to his Super Formula commitments, Browning will be absent for the Montreal, Spa-Francorchamps, Singapore, and Las Vegas Grand Prix.
• The Backup Plan: Test and development driver Victor Martins is eligible for a Super Licence and is expected to cover the races Browning misses. Martins, along with Oliver Turvey and Harrison Scott, will focus on refining the team's simulator and development programs.

The big picture:

Williams has simultaneously overhauled its Driver Academy lineup for 2026, injecting fresh talent into its pipeline alongside Browning's promotion.

• New Juniors: The academy welcomes Alessandro Giusti (2022 French F4 champion), Kean Nakamura-Berta (2025 Italian F4 champion moving to Formula Regional), and Italian F4 race winner Oleksandr Bondarev.
• F1 Academy: Jade Jacquet remains the team's representative in the F1 Academy series.
• Karting Prospects: The roster expands to include karting talents Dean Hoogendoorn, Will Green, and Lucas Palacio, the latter winning the WSK Super Master Series OKNJ title at just 11 years old.

What's next:

As Williams continues its development push under new management, the integration of Browning into the reserve role and the expansion of the academy signal a long-term vision. The team will look to its young drivers to contribute to simulator development and eventually challenge for points on track.