F2 driver Like Browning to drive in Abu Dhabi for Williams

Williams Racing Academy Driver Luke Browning will take part in the first Free Practice session at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and participate in the end-of-season Young Driver Test, the Grove-based squad has recently announced.

The decision means that Browning will complete the British team's second and final mandated rookie driver session this year and at the same time it will mark his debut drive in a Formula 1 weekend.

Browning has had a strong 2024 season in Formula 3, achieving two poles in Austria and Great Britain and two Feature Race wins in Bahrain and Austria, bringing his F3 season with a third-place finish in Monza to an end.

Browning made a surprise debut in Formula 2 at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix as he continued his rise through the motorsport ladder. At his debut F2 outing, he scored points with ART Grand Prix, and he will continue with ART at this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Commenting on the announcement, Browning said: “It’s an honour to be driving a Williams F1 car for the first time in Abu Dhabi. To have the chance to not only take part in the Young Driver Test but also Free Practice is incredibly special.

"A huge thank you to everyone at Williams Racing for supporting my development as part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy and entrusting me with the FW46. I’ll be working hard to prepare and make the most of the opportunity.”

Reflecting on the team's decision, Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets commented: “Luke has had an impressive Formula 3 season and has taken the transition to Formula 2 in his stride, performing well from his first outing in Baku.

"Throughout this year, he has made important contributions to the team through his development work and has demonstrated rapid progress in his understanding, maturity, and race craft. We are now looking forward to giving Luke the opportunity to drive the FW46 in Abu Dhabi as the next step in his development as a Williams Racing Academy driver.”