Browning set for Mexico GP FP1 outing with Williams

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Williams F1 protégé Luke Browning is gearing up for another big moment in his young career, as the 23-year-old Briton prepares to take the wheel of the team’s FW47 during Friday’s FP1 session at the Mexico Grand Prix.

Browning will replace Carlos Sainz for the one-hour session at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez – marking his second Formula 1 practice outing following an impressive debut in Bahrain earlier this season.

The run comes as part of F1’s mandatory rookie session requirements and adds another milestone to Browning’s rapid rise through the ranks.

“An Amazing Opportunity”

For Browning, who took part in FP1 in Bahrain at the beginning of the season, the chance to return to an F1 cockpit is both an honor and a reward for months of hard work behind the scenes with Williams’ academy and simulator program.

“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,” Browning said.

“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.”

The Mexico outing continues what has been a standout year for Browning, who currently sits third in the FIA Formula 2 championship heading into the final two rounds in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

The 2022 Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Award winner has balanced his title campaign with extensive Formula 1 duties – including testing the team’s two-year-old FW45 and logging countless hours on the simulator at Grove.

Williams Confident in Their Rising Star

Williams sporting director Sven Smeets praised Browning’s development and believes the young Briton has earned every opportunity that comes his way.

“Luke has had a strong season in Formula 2 so far, consistently showing his pace across a range of circuits and racing conditions,” Smeets said.

“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.”

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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.