Luke confirmed for FP1 debut in the FW48 at Barcelona and Austria
Two practice sessions mark Luke's first laps in the new car
Published
11 JUN 2026
Est. reading time
2 min
This is the one we've been building towards.
Luke Browning has been confirmed for Free Practice 1 appearances at the Barcelona-Catalunya Grand Prix and the Austrian Grand Prix, marking his first laps in the FW48 and his fourth and fifth FP1 outings with Atlassian Williams F1 Team.
At Barcelona, he'll step into Alex Albon's car. At Austria, into Carlos Sainz's.
Two weekends. Two opportunities. One major step forward.
A new car, a new era
This isn't just another FP1 run.
These sessions will be Luke's first experience of the FW48, Williams' car built entirely under the new 2026 technical regulations. A different generation of machinery, with different characteristics, different demands, and a completely new feel compared to everything he's driven before.
Getting that first-hand understanding of the car is invaluable. Not just for Luke's own development, but for the work he does for the team: the simulator sessions, the data analysis, the technical feedback that feeds back into race weekend preparation.
The road to this moment
Luke's FP1 record with Williams has been building steadily.
His debut came at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Since then, appearances in Bahrain and Mexico City followed, each one adding mileage, confidence, and experience in a Formula 1 environment.
Barcelona and Austria make it five. All of them earned.
Alongside those sessions, Luke has been a regular presence in the simulator at Grove, contributing to car development throughout the year while also competing in Japan's Super Formula Championship with Kondo Racing.
What it means for the season
For Williams, these sessions fulfil two of the team's mandated rookie outings for 2026. For Luke, they're the next logical step in a development path that's been moving in one direction since he joined the Academy in 2023.
Two races in Europe. The FW48 for the first time. And a chance to show exactly what he's capable of in the most competitive environment in motorsport.
Barcelona first. Then Austria.
Let’s go, Luke!
Powered By
© FanCapital LLC