2022 GB3 champion Luke Browning will return to the cockpit of a Williams Racing F1 car this Friday, as he participates in the first free practice session ahead of the Bahrain Grand Prix.
The 23-year-old Brit has been a member of the team’s academy since the start of the 2023 season, and first took part in official F1 running in FP1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix last year, while also running in the Young Driver Test afterwards.
Browning has made an impressive start to life in Formula 2 this season, and sits third in the championship standings following a podium finish in Australia last month.
Since then, he’s gained further F1 mileage with Williams with the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme at Monza last weekend, driving the FW45 from the 2023 season.
“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," Browning said.
"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.
"I’m excited to feel the progression from the FW46 to the FW47 and I feel incredibly grateful to James [Vowles}, Sven [Smeets] 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.”
Browning will take over Carlos Sainz’s car for the Bahrain practice session on Friday.