Browning to drive Sainz’s Williams during FP1 In Mexico

The session will mark the third of four mandated rookie driver appearances for the team this season. Browning, 23, is backed by Williams and is currently third in the FIA Formula 2 Championship standings with two rounds remaining.

In his debut full F2 campaign, he has impressed with his consistency and racecraft, claiming nine podiums and one victory. His standout moment came at Monza, where he secured pole position and converted it into a hard-fought feature race win.

The Mexico City appearance will be Browning’s second outing in the FW47, following his debut in Bahrain earlier this year. He also participated in FP1 at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with the FW46 and has extensive experience with the FW45 through Williams’s TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme.

Alongside his track work, Browning continues to contribute to the team’s simulator development, providing valuable feedback for car setup and performance.

Browning said he is determined to make the most of his second chance behind the wheel of Williams’s 2025 challenger: “I’m hugely grateful to be given another chance to drive in a free practice session with Williams and to experience the FW47 for a second time.

"I’ve been working hard to prepare for the session so I can make the most of this amazing opportunity and help the team plan for the race weekend ahead. I can’t wait to get back into an F1 car and I’m incredibly grateful to everyone in the Driver Academy and at Williams for their trust and support.”

Sporting Director Sven Smeets praised Browning’s development throughout 2025, highlighting both his on-track performance and behind-the-scenes contribution: “Luke has had a strong season in Formula 2 so far, consistently showing his pace across a range of circuits and racing conditions.

"He has continued to support the team through his simulator work and the TPC programme, preparing him well for his next free practice session. We look forward to seeing him take to the track in Mexico as he continues to build his experience as a Williams Racing Academy Driver," added Bornwing

Browning’s upcoming FP1 session continues the Williams Racing Driver Academy’s commitment to nurturing young talent, a programme that has recently delivered tangible results.

Most notably, Academy graduate Franco Colapinto earned a full-time Formula 1 race seat, reinforcing the team’s focus on providing a clear path to the top tier of motorsport.

The Academy supports drivers across all levels of the racing ladder, combining on-track experience with physical training, media preparation, and simulator development work. Browning’s steady progression through the programme and competitive F2 campaign reflect Williams’s approach of blending structured development with real-world performance opportunities.

For the team, the upcoming Mexican Grand Prix represents another important test of its long-term talent pipeline, with Browning continuing to prove himself as one of the most promising young British drivers on the F1 radar.

With Mexico City’s high altitude, demanding layout, and passionate crowd, the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez will provide a unique challenge and another key learning opportunity for Browning as he takes the next step in his Formula 1 journey.