13/10/2025
NEWS STORY
Luke Browning will take part in the first free practice session at the Mexican Grand Prix, taking the wheel of Carlos Sainz's FW47. This will fulfil the third of four mandated rookie driver sessions this year.
Browning is currently locked in a fierce battle for the Formula 2 championship, occupying third place in the standings with two rounds to go. His consistency throughout the season has been a significant factor in his success, securing nine podiums and one victory in his first full F2 campaign. The Monza race weekend proved a standout moment, securing pole and a hard-fought win in the feature race.
The free practice session will be Browning's second outing in the FW47 following his FP1 appearance in Bahrain. He has also had experience driving the FW46 in FP1 at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and has driven the FW45 extensively in the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme, in addition to helping the team's F1 campaign through simulator development work.
His participation in the FP1 session is part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy's tradition of giving young talent a path into F1 - most recently demonstrated by Academy alumnus Franco Colapinto's graduation into an F1 race seat. The Driver Academy supports drivers on every rung of the motorsport ladder, working with them on and off the track to develop the skills necessary to race at the top level.
"I'm hugely grateful to be given another chance to drive in a free practice session with Williams and to experience the FW47 for a second time," said Browning. "I've been working hard to prepare for the session so I can make the most of this amazing opportunity and help the team plan for the race weekend ahead.
"I can't wait to get back into an F1 car and I'm incredibly grateful to everyone in the Driver Academy and at Williams for their trust and support."
"Luke has had a strong season in Formula 2 so far," added Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, "consistently showing his pace across a range of circuits and racing conditions. He has continued to support the team through his simulator work and the TPC programme, preparing him well for his next free practice session.
"We look forward to seeing him take to the track in Mexico as he continues to build his experience as a Williams Racing Academy Driver."