Williams could choose Luke Browning if Carlos Sainz leaves for real

Williams’ driver decision is becoming clearer

Carlos Sainz’s future at Williams remains one of the key questions in the 2027 driver market. The Spaniard joined the Grove team from Ferrari in 2025 with considerable promise, and his first season delivered two podium finishes in Baku and Qatar. His second campaign, however, has been far more difficult: Sainz has scored only six points so far and is unhappy with how the opening half of 2026 has unfolded.

As Sainz’s reported Williams extension remains under scrutiny, the team should be looking closely at Luke Browning.

Browning has already done the groundwork

His 2026 programme has taken him to Japan’s Super Formula, while also giving him extensive running in Williams machinery. Browning described himself as effectively “driving three cars” this year: Super Formula, the 2025 Williams and the current single-seater.

That workload is not simply preparation in the background. Browning has been acclimatising to the 2026 car during FP1 sessions, supporting the team at its factory, attending engineering meetings and using the simulator to prepare for every circuit on the calendar.

“At the moment, the main goal is my growth,” Browning told Automoto.It. He added that he is working to be ready if Williams needs him to drive the car.

A chance worth taking

Browning’s Super Formula season is currently not going entirely to plan, with the Brit sitting 12th. However, his European record and his work behind the scenes at Williams make a strong case for promotion. He has accumulated valuable experience in F1 cars, contributed data and continued to invest heavily in simulator preparation.

Reports suggest Sainz may stay at Williams for 2027. If he does leave, though, the team should resist the temptation to look only for an established name. Perez would bring clear benefits, but Williams has previously developed major talent, including George Russell. James Vowles rates Browning highly, and the next step should be giving him the opportunity to prove that belief in Formula 1.