Williams has confirmed that Luke Browning will step as much as the position of Components 1 Reserve Driver for the 2026 season, marking probably the most vital milestone but within the British driver’s speedy rise via the only‑seater ranks. Alongside his new obligations in Grove, Browning will embark on his debut marketing campaign in Japan’s Tremendous Components Championship with Staff Kondo Racing.
The announcement comes after a standout 2025 FIA Components 2 season, the place Browning completed fourth general with Hitech GP. In his first full 12 months within the class, he delivered 9 podiums and a commanding victory at Monza, changing pole place into a tough‑fought function‑race win.
Reflecting on his promotion, Browning mentioned: “I’m extremely excited to be stepping up as Reserve Driver with Atlassian Williams F1 Staff this 12 months.
“The Academy has been instrumental in my progress, supporting me via each Components 3 and Components 2 whereas giving me the possibility to stand up to hurry with fashionable F1 equipment via testing and FP1 classes.”
He added that his new racing programme in Japan represents a serious alternative: “I’m additionally glad to substantiate that 2026 will probably be my rookie season in Tremendous Components. This will probably be a very new problem, and I’m wanting ahead to getting caught in.
“As my subsequent step up in direction of a full‑time Components 1 seat, this offers me one other likelihood to indicate how I’ve developed on observe and proceed to construct my expertise in a brand new setting and tradition.”
A Key Position in Williams’ New‑Period F1 Programme
As reserve driver, Browning will help Williams all through the primary season of Components 1’s new rules cycle. His duties will embody race‑weekend stand‑by, intensive simulator work, and contributing to the event of the group’s 2026 challenger.
Presenting our 2026 line-up 🤩
Welcoming the Williams F1 Staff Driver Academy, as our future stars take the subsequent step of their careers 👊
Extra data at 🔗 https://t.co/NGEO5QKnzy pic.twitter.com/jMa3mQQwuB
— Atlassian Williams F1 Staff (@WilliamsF1) January 16, 2026
Staff Principal James Vowles praised Browning’s progress and the worth he brings to the organisation: “It’s a proud second to see Luke moving into the Reserve Driver position from 2026
“He has made immense progress since he joined the Academy in 2023 and has supported the group’s journey again in direction of the entrance of the grid via his involvement in simulator and FP1 work, which has been invaluable as we enter this new period of rules.”
Vowles additionally highlighted the significance of Browning’s Japanese marketing campaign: “His Tremendous Components marketing campaign will permit him to realize extra on-track expertise and proceed his progress as a driver, and we look ahead to seeing him again on observe as he enters this subsequent stage of his racing profession.”
A confirmed path via the Williams Academy
Browning’s rise displays the continued power of the Williams Driver Academy, which he joined in 2023. Since then, he has gained the Macau Grand Prix, completed third in FIA Components 3, and made a number of FP1 outings within the FW47. He has additionally participated within the group’s Testing of Earlier Vehicles programme, gaining mileage within the FW45.
Sporting Director Sven Smeets emphasised the Academy’s position in shaping Williams’ future: “We’re happy to substantiate our Williams F1 Staff Driver Academy line-up for this 12 months and recognise the depth of expertise progressing via the programme, from our youngest driver in Lucas to Luke’s position as Reserve.
“The Driver Academy stays a central a part of how we help and information younger expertise and we look ahead to seeing how every driver performs this 12 months,” he added.
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