Bréaking: F1 driver set to be replaced at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix…Read more
F1 driver set to be replaced at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Williams Racing has announced that Luke Browning, a member of their Driver Academy, will make his Formula 1 debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 22-year-old British racer will participate in the first practice session (FP1) at the Yas Marina Circuit on December 6, driving the FW46. This marks Browning’s first opportunity to showcase his skills in an F1 car.
The announcement comes as the 2023 Formula 1 season nears its conclusion, with only two race weekends remaining in what has been the longest campaign in the sport’s history.
While the constructors’ championship remains a tight battle between Red Bull, Ferrari, and McLaren, teams lower down the grid are also fighting for valuable points.
For Williams, currently sitting ninth in the standings, the season has been underwhelming, but hopes for the future are high with Carlos Sainz set to join the team in 2025.
Browning’s promotion to the F1 stage is a reward for his impressive performances in Formula 3, where he consistently delivered strong results.
Earlier this year, he made his Formula 2 debut with ART Grand Prix in Azerbaijan, finishing a commendable seventh.
His steady progress and contributions to Williams’ development work have earned him the opportunity to drive at the pinnacle of motorsport.
In a statement, Browning expressed gratitude to Williams Racing for their trust in him, saying, “It’s an honour to be driving a Williams F1 car for the first time in Abu Dhabi.
A huge thank you to everyone at Williams Racing for supporting my development.
I’ll be working hard to prepare and make the most of this opportunity.”
Williams’ sporting director Sven Smeets praised Browning’s growth throughout the year, highlighting his transition from F3 to F2 and his contributions to the team.
“Luke has made significant progress in his understanding, maturity, and race craft,” Smeets said.
“We are excited to see him take this next step in his development by driving the FW46 in Abu Dhabi.”
It is yet to be confirmed whether Browning will replace Alex Albon or Franco Colapinto, who joined the F1 grid earlier this season, for the FP1 session.
Regardless, the experience represents a pivotal moment in Browning’s journey with Williams as he looks to establish himself in Formula 1.
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