Williams Racing confirm Luke Browning for Bahrain Grand Prix FP1 session

Luke Browning will take part in the opening Free Practice session of this weekend’s Bahrain Grand Prix for Williams Racing.

The team confirmed that the Hitech TGR driver would be in the cockpit of the FW47 in place of Carlos Sainz, fulfilling one of the four mandated rookie driver sessions across the 2025 Formula 1 season.

Browning has been part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy since 2023, and took part in a TPC programme around Monza last weekend ahead of his FP1 bow on Friday.

Reflecting on the opportunity, Browning said that he was hugely grateful for the chance and excited to turn laps on a Grand Prix weekend after his previous experiences with the team.

“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,” the Briton 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.”

Williams Racing Sporting Director Sven Smeets added: “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. 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.”