Browning reflects on ‘rewarding’ Budapest Practice after ending up fastest

1 August 2025

Luke Browning was in fine form in the opening session of the Budapest weekend, setting the fastest time of Free Practice.

The Hitech TGR driver built up steadily throughout the 45-minute outing, before clocking a 1:30.609 with his final lap, just as the chequered flag was waved.

PRACTICE: Browning and Hitech TGR make fast start in Budapest

Reflecting on his performance after jumping out of the car, Browning said: “It was a good session. We built up throughout the session, which was nice. It was really rewarding out there, to push to the limit towards the end of the session.

“There will be a lot of changes from FP to Qualifying, but I am really positive with the car we have got this weekend and how I am driving to have a good result. So thanks to the team, and I will keep my head down and keep on working on what I can.”

In a session where a lot of his rivals set their best times much earlier, Browning believes that his ability to improve so late is a testament to the car that Hitech have given him.

Browning finished with the fastest time of the Budapest Free Practice

The Williams Racing Driver Academy member is confident though that despite the step in compound to come in Qualifying, from the Mediums to the Softs, he and his team will be in a good place.

“When you have a positive FP like that, it puts you in a good place to be able to predict where the balance will be during Qualifying,” said Browning.

“So my confidence is in a good place, we are working well together. I just have to keep on focusing on things that are in my control, and we will see where we end up.

“The grip was still there for me to improve on the last lap, so it’s probably more down to car setup than driving, being brutally honest. We had a good car down out there today, and when you have a good car you look after the tyres, so I think that’s what happened.”

Browning is confident he can tackle anything that comes his way in Qualifying

Browning comes into the weekend firmly in the Drivers' Championship mix as he currently sits fifth in the Standings with on 113 points, trailing leader Leonardo Fornaroli by 12 points.

Despite his seven podiums achieved so far in 2025 – the most of any driver in the field – the Briton is yet to achieve a Pole Position or a victory this season.

However, he is confident that he will be ready for whatever Qualifying will bring later today.

“We are in a good place going into Qualifying,” added Browning. “We might have a bit of rain, so I am ready for any possibilities, no matter what gets thrown at us.”