2022 GB3 Champion Luke Browning will get his first taste of Williams F1 machinery when he takes part in FP1 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.
The British driver, who became a member of the Williams Racing Academy following his GB3 title success, will also drive for the team in the end-of-season Young Driver Test at the same venue, following the Grand Prix event.
The FP1 appearance will mark Browning's first experience of driving F1 machinery during a Grand Prix weekend, following a title-challenging Formula 3 season, which featured two victories, pole positions at the Red Bull Ring and Silverstone, and eventually finished third overall.
Since then, he's made a points-scoring Formula 2 debut, and is expected to contest the full season in the main F1 feeder category in 2025.
Browning follows in the footsteps of his GB3 champion predecessor Zak O'Sullivan, who carried out the same FP1 and Young Driver Test running last year.
“It’s an honour to be driving a Williams F1 car for the first time in Abu Dhabi" said Browning.
"To have the chance to not only take part in the Young Driver Test but also Free Practice is incredibly special. A huge thank you to everyone at Williams Racing for supporting my development as part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy and entrusting me with the FW46. I’ll be working hard to prepare and make the most of the opportunity.”
Browning's performances this season have impressed Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets, who is looking forward to seeing the young Brit at the wheel of the team's Mercedes-powered FW46 machine.
“Luke has had an impressive Formula 3 season and has taken the transition to Formula 2 in his stride, performing well from his first outing in Baku.
"Throughout this year, he has made important contributions to the team through his development work and has demonstrated rapid progress in his understanding, maturity, and race craft.
"We are now looking forward to giving Luke the opportunity to drive the FW46 in Abu Dhabi as the next step in his development as a Williams Racing Academy driver.”