F1 hopeful handed major opportunity ahead of season finale
Williams have announced that F2 and academy driver Luke Browning will take part in FP1 in Abu Dhabi and the post-season young driver test.
“It’s going to be an unforgettable weekend in Abu Dhabi fighting for the Formula 2 title while getting back behind the wheel of the FW47”- Luke Browning
The British driver, currently third in F2 and firmly in contention for the title, will take the wheel of Alexander Albon’s FW47 in the first free practice session in Yas Marina
“It’s going to be an unforgettable weekend in Abu Dhabi fighting for the Formula 2 title while getting back behind the wheel of the FW47, and it’s a challenge I’m going to relish," Browning said after the announcement.
"The Young Driver Test will give me a final opportunity to help the team prepare for 2026 and I’m looking forward to being part of a Formula 1 weekend for the last time this season. Thank you to everyone at the Driver Academy and Williams for the trust once again.”
Sven Smeets, Sporting Director at Atlassian Williams Racing, added: “Luke’s development continues to impress us, and we are looking forward to closing the season with him behind the wheel of the FW47."
"We have an incredibly talented group of drivers in the Williams Racing Driver Academy, and it is important for us to give them the opportunity to progress as they move up the ladder.
"These final sessions of the season will give Luke another valuable chance to learn from Alex and Carlos, the wider team, and further embed with our trackside operation as he looks towards a bright future.”
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Lindblad gets new teammate after Red Bull driver earns promotion
Changes are also coming to the F2 grid ahead of the season finale. Red Bull Junior Programme driver Nikola Tsolov will race in the last two rounds of the season alongside Arvid Lindblad, whose F1 future for next year is still under Red Bull’s final review.
Tsolov finished the Formula 3 season in second place behind champion Rafael Camara and will take the seat of Pepe Martí, who will move to Formula E next year.
Here’s what the young Red Bull driver had to say about the opportunity.
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