P1racenews AI automatic summary:
F1 team announces 2026 driver promotion
A Williams F1 team member has been promoted to the role of reserve driver for the 2026 season during the unveiling of the new lineup.
Luke Browning, a successful F2 star, will step up to the position after a strong showing in the driver development program and his impressive performance in the 2025 F2 season.
Browning, aged 23, achieved fourth place in the championship and secured nine podium finishes and one victory with Hitech GP.
He made his F1 session debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing in P18, and will now focus on the reserve driver role while contributing to the team’s development with feedback and simulator work.
Team principal James Vowles praised Browning’s progress and expressed confidence in his abilities to support Williams during the critical 2026 season and the new era of F1 regulations.
Browning himself expressed his excitement for the promotion and his upcoming rookie season in Super Formula, highlighting the Academy’s support in his development as a driver.
The Williams F1 Driver Academy lineup for 2026 was also announced, featuring promising talents like Alessandro Giusti, Kean Nakamura-Berta, and Oleksandr Bondarev, alongside others continuing in karting and the addition of Jade Jacquet for the all-female racing series with ART Grand Prix.
