Williams Racing confirm Victor Martins for Spanish Grand Prix FP1 outing

Victor Martins will make his Formula 1 race weekend debut, driving in Free Practice 1 for Williams Racing at the upcoming Spanish Grand Prix.

The team has confirmed that Martins will take over driving duties from Alex Albon and drive the FW47 alongside Carlos Sainz in the first session of the Formula 1 weekend.

The Frenchman took part earlier this season in a Testing of Previous Cars programme at Monza in the FW45 alongside fellow Williams Racing Academy talent and F2 driver, Luke Browning.

Speaking ahead of the Spanish Grand Prix, Martins said he was hugely grateful for the opportunity and excited to work with the Williams team on a race weekend.

“I’m super happy to be taking the wheel of the FW47 for the first time in Barcelona! It will be an incredible experience to drive for the team. I’m working hard to prepare as much as possible to maximise my time in the car and make it a valuable session for myself and the team. I’m hugely grateful to everyone at Williams for giving me this opportunity and I’m looking forward to enjoying every second of it!”

Sven Smeets, Sporting Director at Williams Racing added: “We’re proud that Victor will be taking part in his first Formula 1 session with us in Barcelona. He continues to demonstrate that he is a talented driver, and this session is an important step forward in his career as part of the Academy. His participation in our TPC programme and simulator work in Grove have prepared him well and we look forward to seeing him in the garage this weekend.”