Williams Racing confirmed that Victor Martins will take part in the FP1 session at the Spanish GP, marking another significant milestone in the young driver’s development within the Williams Driver Academy. He will be stepping in for Alex Albon as the Grove-based squad make their second FP1 change of the year. Luke Browning subbed for Carlos Sainz in opening practice in Bahrain.
The 23-year-old French driver, who currently competes for ART Grand Prix in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, will get behind the wheel of the FW46 at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya as part of the team’s ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent.
The French driver joined the Williams Driver Academy in 2025 and has been making steady progress through the junior categories. Martins’ FP1 appearance at the Spanish GP will provide valuable experience in Formula 1 machinery while contributing to the team’s development program.
Victor Martins: “I’m super happy to be taking the wheel of the FW47 for the first time in Barcelona.
“It will be an incredible experience to drive for the team. I’m working hard to prepare as much as possible to maximise my time in the car and make it a valuable session for myself and the team.
“I’m hugely grateful to everyone at Williams for giving me this opportunity and I’m looking forward to enjoying every second of it!”
Sven Smeets:
“We’re proud that Victor will be taking part in his first Formula 1 session with us in Barcelona. He continues to demonstrate that he is a talented driver, and this session is an important step forward in his career as part of the Academy.
“His participation in our TPC programme and simulator work in Grove have prepared him well and we look forward to seeing him in the garage this weekend.
