Williams' Browning joins rookie frenzy in Bahrain FP1

Williams Racing Academy member Luke Browning is set to add his name to the bustling roster of rookie drivers hitting the track for Friday’s opening practice at the 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix.

The young Brit will slide into the cockpit in FP1, ticking off one of Williams’ four mandatory rookie sessions this season.

It’s a big moment for Browning, who’s already making waves in his debut full season in FIA Formula 2 with Hitech GP—currently sitting third in the standings after a podium in Australia’s Sprint Race.

The young Briton is no stranger to stepping up. Last year, he swapped his Formula 3 ride for an F2 seat with Hitech for the final three rounds of the series, scoring points twice and capping it off with an FP1 outing in Abu Dhabi – his first taste of F1 machinery on a race weekend.

Ahead of Bahrain, Browning sharpened his skills last weekend at Monza, driving the FW45 in the Testing of Previous Cars program alongside fellow Academy newbie Victor Martins.

Now, he’s ready to tackle Sakhir’s 5.412 km challenge and deliver data for Williams’ weekend prep.

Building Confidence with Every Outing

"Being given another opportunity to drive in a Free Practice session with Williams is a dream come true, and I'm getting more and more confidence each time I drive the car," Browning said.

"My main aim for FP1 is to get more comfortable with the procedures and environment that come with Formula 1, and to build on my experience from Abu Dhabi last December.

"I’m excited to feel the progression from the FW46 to the FW47 and I feel incredibly grateful to James, Sven and the team at Grove for entrusting me with the car.

A lot of preparation has gone into this weekend, so thank you to everyone in the Driver Academy for supporting my development so far.”

From karting to the big leagues, the Academy’s hands-on approach is paying dividends – and Browning’s Bahrain stint is the latest proof of this.

“Luke has made strong progress since his first Formula 2 weekend last year and scored good points in the opening race of the season in Australia," commented Williams sporting director Sven Smeets.

"His previous FP1 experience, participation in our TPC programme, and simulator work have prepared him well for this weekend and we look forward to seeing him take this next step forward in his development.”

No less than five rookie drivers will be in action on Friday in FP1 with Browning joining Ferrari's Dino Beganovic, Mercedes' Fred Vesti, Aston Martin's Felipe Drugovich and Haas' new recruit Ryo Hirakawa.

Read also: F2 charger Victor Martins joins Williams Driver Academy

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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.