Williams Driver Academy driver Victor Martins has been handed a promotion by the Formula 1 giants and a new drive with Alpine on the same day.
The Frenchman joined the Grove-based squad‘s academy last year, alongside drivers such as Formula 2 rival Luke Browning.
Now the James Vowles-led outfit has given him the role of test and development driver for the season ahead, with which he can dovetail with the French marque, which has hired him for its World Endurance Chamionship squad.
Alpine was one driver short for one of its A424 machines for this upcoming WEC series, with Mick Schumacher having departed to pastures new in IndyCar.
Martins completes the line-up for the team, which also boasts Frédéric Makowiecki, Jules Gounon, Charles Milesi, Ferdinand Habsburg, and Jaguar Formula E star Antonio Felix da Costa.
Now working alongside fellow test drivers Oliver Turvey and Harrison, Williams said that Martins will “play a crucial role in advancing the team’s development programmes to support our F1 drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz as the sport enters an unprecedented change in technical regulations”.
Martins, who partook in FP1 at the Spanish Grand Prix for the team last year, said: “Williams is an iconic team with an incredible history and I’m excited to be part of the project to bring this team back to the front of the grid.
“I’ve already had experience working with Alex and Carlos during race weekends, and I’m looking forward to continuing this work with the team in 2026.
“Thanks to James Vowles, Sven [Smeets, Sporting Director] and everyone at Williams for the opportunity.”
READ MORE – Alex Albon eyeing F1 milestone with Williams after ‘best season yet’ in 2025
Discussion about this post