Atlassian Williams Racing Announces Luke Browning for Bahrain FP1

Atlassian Williams Racing has confirmed that their Academy driver, Luke Browning, will participate in the first Free Practice session (FP1) at the prestigious 2025 Bahrain Grand Prix. This exciting opportunity fulfills one of the four mandated rookie driver sessions for the team this year, providing invaluable experience for the young British racer.

Luke Browning's Rising Star Trajectory

Browning is currently making waves in his first full season of the FIA Formula 2 Championship with Hitech GP. His impressive start to the year, highlighted by a podium finish in the Sprint Race in Australia, has solidified his position as a driver to watch. He currently sits third in the championship standings after the opening round.

His success builds upon a strong foundation laid in his debut Formula 2 season. Last year, Browning joined the championship midway through, graduating from FIA Formula 3 for the final three rounds of the 2024 season. He showcased his talent by scoring points in two races. He further cemented his potential with a remarkable FP1 appearance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, experiencing an F1 car for the very first time during a race weekend.

Bahrain FP1: A Milestone Opportunity

In Bahrain, Browning will be at the wheel of Carlos Sainz's FW47 during the opening session at the Bahrain International Circuit on Friday. Speaking about this momentous occasion, Browning expressed his excitement: “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. 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.”

Rigorous Preparation: Monza Testing and Simulator Work

Browning's preparation for Bahrain has been comprehensive. Last weekend, he participated in the team's Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) program in Monza, driving the FW45 alongside fellow Academy recruit Victor Martins. This invaluable track time allowed him to further hone his skills and gain crucial experience.

Williams Racing Driver Academy: A Proven Pathway to F1

Browning's FP1 participation underscores the Williams Racing Driver Academy's commitment to nurturing young talent. The Academy provides comprehensive support, encompassing both on-track performance and off-track development, guiding drivers through every stage of their motorsport journey. The recent success of Academy alumnus Franco Colapinto, who secured an F1 race seat, stands as a testament to the Academy's effectiveness.

Sven Smeets, Sporting Director at Williams Racing, commented: “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.”

With his talent, dedication, and the support of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, Luke Browning is poised to make a significant impact on the Formula 1 world. The Bahrain Grand Prix FP1 session will be a pivotal moment in his promising career.