Browning to replace Sainz for FP1 outing with Williams in Bahrain

Browning is contesting his first full FIA Formula 2 season with Hitech GP and currently sits third in the standings after securing a Sprint Race podium in Australia. This will be his second FP1 session with Williams.

His current Formula 2 campaign follows a promising debut in the series during the final three rounds of 2024, after stepping up from FIA Formula 3. He scored points in two of his first F2 races and went on to make his Formula 1 weekend debut with Williams in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last November.

To prepare for his upcoming outing at Sakhir, Browning took part in the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme at Monza last weekend, sharing driving duties in the FW45 with fellow Academy member Victor Martins.

The 22-year-old Briton said the Bahrain opportunity was another step in his Formula 1 journey: “Being given another opportunity to drive in a Free Practice session with Williams is a dream come true, and I'm getting more and more confidence each time I drive the car.

"My main aim for FP1 is to get more comfortable with the procedures and environment that come with Formula 1, and to build on my experience from Abu Dhabi last December."

Browning continued: "I feel incredibly grateful to James, Sven and the team at Grove for entrusting me with the car. A lot of preparation has gone into this weekend, so thank you to everyone in the Driver Academy for supporting my development so far.”

Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets said the team was pleased with Browning’s trajectory: “Luke has made strong progress since his first Formula 2 weekend last year and scored good points in the opening race of the season in Australia.

"His previous FP1 experience, participation in our TPC programme, and simulator work have prepared him well for this weekend and we look forward to seeing him take this next step forward in his development," added Smeets.

Williams has recently reinforced its commitment to junior development through the Driver Academy, which produced 2025 rookie Franco Colapinto, now racing for the team in Formula 1.

Browning’s Bahrain outing represents another key milestone in the Academy’s mission to nurture talent through every stage of the motorsport ladder.