Williams confirm Browning as reserve driver for 2026 F1 season

Williams have announced that Luke Browning will act as their Formula 1 Reserve Driver for 2026, while also switching from Formula 2 to the Japanese Super Formula Championship.

British racer Browning, 23, takes on the role following a trophy-filled first full F2 season in 2025, having secured a victory and eight more podium finishes en route to fourth in the standings.

As well as being on standby to race, Browning will help to develop Williams’ new car through data analysis and simulator work, while providing support to regular drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.

Browning’s duties will be combined with a drive for the Team Kondo Racing squad in Super Formula – Japan’s premier single-seater racing series.

“I’m incredibly excited to be stepping up as Reserve Driver with Atlassian Williams F1 Team this year,” said Browning, who joined the Williams F1 Driver Academy in 2023, and has already appeared in several F1 practice sessions with the team.

“The Academy has been instrumental in my growth, supporting me through both Formula 3 and Formula 2 while giving me the chance to get up to speed with modern F1 machinery through testing and FP1 sessions.

“I look forward to working alongside Alex and Carlos to drive the team forward in this new era for Formula 1.

“I’m also happy to confirm that 2026 will be my rookie season in Super Formula. This will be a completely new challenge, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in!

“As my next step up towards a full-time Formula 1 seat, this gives me another chance to show how I've developed on track and continue to build my skills in a new environment and culture.”

James Vowles, Williams Team Principal, added: “It’s a proud moment to see Luke stepping into the Reserve Driver role from 2026.

“He has made immense progress since he joined the Academy in 2023 and has supported the team’s journey back towards the front of the grid through his involvement in simulator and FP1 work, which has been invaluable as we enter this new era of regulations.

“His Super Formula campaign will allow him to gain more on-track experience and continue his growth as a driver, and we look forward to seeing him back on track as he enters this next stage of his racing career.”

Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets added: “We’re pleased to confirm our Williams F1 Team Driver Academy line-up for this year and recognise the depth of talent progressing through the programme.

“The Driver Academy remains a central part of how we support and guide young talent and look forward to seeing how each driver performs this year.”