Williams has become the latest team to announce a rookie driver for opening practice duties at the Formula 1 Bahrain Grand Prix, with Luke Browning set to make an appearance.
Haas is fielding new reserve Ryo Hirakawa, Ferrari is handing the SF-25 to Dino Beganovic, Mercedes will give Frederik Vesti a run out, and Felipe Drugovich will pilot the Aston Martin in Skahir.
Browning, 23, is a member of the Williams Academy, and after a successful FIA Formula 3 campaign in 2024, whereby he came third in the standings, he made an early jump to Formula 2.
He rounded out the year scoring points across three F2 meetings, and made his F1 debut in opening practice at Abu Dhabi, which he followed up with a post-season test appearance.
Browning is now in F2 full-time with Hitech and scored a podium result at the season opener in Australia, he conducted TPC [Testing of Previous Car] mileage at Monza last weekend in the Williams FW45 in preparation for this weekend.
“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,” Browning 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 [Vowles], Sven [Smeets] 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 Sporting Director 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.”
Browning will take Carlos Sainz’s place on Friday’s opening session.
READ MORE – Exclusive: Williams Academy Driver Luke Browning is targeting the 2025 F2 title
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