Williams turns to Browning for 2026 reserve role

January 16, 2026 Aksel Kryhlmand

Williams has outlined updates to its driver structure as it looks ahead to Formula 1’s major regulation changes in 2026. The moves are designed to add depth behind its race drivers while continuing to invest in long term talent development.

Browning steps into reserve role

According to Motorsport.com, Williams has appointed Luke Browning as its official reserve driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season. The Grove based team previously operated without a named reserve, instead having access to Mercedes affiliated drivers when required.

Browning has been part of the Williams Driver Academy since 2023 and has already gained experience at Formula 1 race weekends. He took part in three Free Practice 1 sessions during the 2025 season, giving the team direct insight into his readiness for a supporting role.

The British driver’s junior record also meets the FIA’s licensing requirements. He finished third in Formula 3 and fourth in Formula 2 across the past two seasons, results that make him eligible for a superlicence.

Balancing Formula 1 and Super Formula

Browning, who turns 24 later this year, will combine his reserve duties with his first full campaign in Japan’s Super Formula championship. That dual programme means he will be unavailable for several Formula 1 events, including the races in Canada, Belgium, Singapore and Las Vegas.

Williams has not formally named a stand in reserve for those rounds. However, Motorsport.com reports that test and development driver Victor Martins also qualifies for a superlicence, having won the Formula Renault Eurocup in 2020 and the Formula 3 title in 2022.

Martins will continue to contribute to simulator work and car development alongside Oliver Turvey and Harrison Scott as part of Williams’ broader technical support group.

Academy reshaped for 2026

Alongside the reserve driver announcement, Williams has confirmed updates to its Driver Academy line up for 2026. Browning remains part of the programme and is joined by several new faces from junior single seater categories.

The intake includes Alessandro Giusti, the 2022 French Formula 4 champion, and Jade Jacquet, who represented Williams in F1 Academy last season. Italian Formula 4 champion Kean Nakamura Berta also joins after leaving Alpine’s junior system, while Italian F4 race winner Oleksandr Bondarev steps up into the academy.

Karting prospects Dean Hoogendoorn, Will Green and Lucas Palacio continue within the structure. Hoogendoorn claimed both the FIA European Junior title and the WSK Super Master Series OKJ championship last year, while Palacio won the WSK Super Master Series OKNJ crown at just 11 years old.

Building depth behind the scenes

The latest announcements highlight Williams’ focus on strengthening its talent pipeline as it prepares for the sport’s next chapter. By combining experienced simulator drivers with emerging junior talent, the team is aiming to create greater stability and flexibility across its Formula 1 operations heading into 2026.

Sources: Motorsport.com