Luke Browning handed Williams FP1 runs in Barcelona and Austria

Browning set for first FW48 mileage

Williams reserve driver Luke Browning will make two Formula 1 FP1 appearances later this month, with the British driver scheduled to run at both the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix and the Austrian Grand Prix.

The outings will be significant for Browning because they mark his first experience in the new generation of Formula 1 machinery. He has already completed four FP1 sessions for Williams across 2024 and 2025, but the FW48 represents a fresh reference point for both driver and team.

"I can’t wait to get behind the wheel of the FW48 for the first time, and to have two opportunities to experience the car first-hand in the European season makes it even more special," Browning said.

"I've been working hard to prepare so that I can make the most of these sessions and help the team plan and prepare for the race weekends ahead. I’m incredibly thankful to everyone at Atlassian Williams F1 Team for their continued trust and support, and I can’t wait to get out on track."

Williams links track time to simulator value

Williams sporting director Sven Smeets framed the decision as an important development step, not only for Browning’s own progression but also for the quality of his contribution back at base through simulator work.

"Luke continues to prove himself as a valuable part of the team, both through his simulator work and his performances on track," Smeets said. "Giving him his first opportunity to get behind the wheel of the FW48 across two race weekends is an important step in his development and a natural progression."

Smeets added that Williams remains committed to creating opportunities for its young drivers through the team’s academy structure.

"We have a talented group of young drivers in the Williams F1 Team Driver Academy, and we’re pleased to continue providing opportunities like this to support drivers’ progression and development."

Rookie FP1 mileage still limited

Each Formula 1 team must run rookies in four FP1 sessions per season, but relatively few such outings have been completed so far. The disrupted start to the season, combined with the new regulations, has limited opportunities.

Racing Bulls has technically completed two of its four rookie FP1 obligations, with Arvid Lindblad qualifying for those appearances in Australia and China as the only rookie on the grid this year. Aston Martin also ran Jak Crawford in Fernando Alonso’s car during first practice at the Japanese Grand Prix.

Sprint weekends in China, Miami and Canada discouraged teams from using their only practice session for rookie running, while Monaco is not favoured for such programmes due to its specific demands. Bahrain and Saudi Arabia had looked like suitable options, but their postponement removed those chances.