Williams gives young gun Browning FP1 outing in Abu Dhabi

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Williams Racing Academy driver Luke Browning will take part in Friday's opening practice session at next week's Abu Dhabi Grand Pris, as well as in the end-of-season Young Driver Test at Yas Marina Circuit.

The FP1 session will mark Browning's debut in a Formula 1 weekend and fulfill Williams' second mandated rookie driver session for the season.

Browning has enjoyed a standout 2024 season, beginning with an impressive campaign in Formula 3.

The young Briton secured two pole positions in Austria and Great Britain and claimed two Feature Race victories in Bahrain and Austria. His consistent performances kept him in the championship fight until the final race in Monza, where he finished third in the standings.

Following his success in F3, Browning made a mid-season jump to Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. He scored points on his debut, showcasing his adaptability and skill. Browning will continue with ART for the final two rounds of the F2 season.

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“It's an honor to be driving a Williams F1 car for the first time in Abu Dhabi,” commented the 22-year-old. “To have the chance to not only take part in the Young Driver Test but also Free Practice is incredibly special.

“A huge thank you to everyone at Williams Racing for supporting my development as part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy and entrusting me with the FW46. “I'll be working hard to prepare and make the most of the opportunity.”

Browning's inclusion in the Abu Dhabi events underscores Williams Racing's dedication to fostering young talent through its Academy. The program has a proven track record, with recent graduate Franco Colapinto stepping up to F1 last September at Monza when he replaced Logan Sargeant.

Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets praised Browning's progress and readiness for the next step.

“Luke has had an impressive Formula 3 season and has taken the transition to Formula 2 in his stride, performing well from his first outing in Baku,” said the Belgian.

“Throughout this year, he has made important contributions to the team through his development work and has demonstrated rapid progress in his understanding, maturity, and race craft.

“We are now looking forward to giving Luke the opportunity to drive the FW46 in Abu Dhabi as the next step in its development as a Williams Racing Academy driver.”

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.