Williams Racing has confirmed that rising star Luke Browning will get behind the wheel of the FW47 during the first practice session (FP1) at the 2025 Mexican Grand Prix, replacing Carlos Sainz for the session. The move comes as part of the team’s commitment to giving young drivers valuable on-track experience under Formula 1’s rookie participation regulations.
The 23-year-old Brit, currently third in the FIA Formula 2 standings, is still in contention for the title with two rounds left in the championship. His season has been marked by nine podiums, a race win, and a dominant pole-to-flag victory at Monza, cementing his reputation as one of the most promising young drivers on the grid.
Browning’s FP1 outing at the Autódromo Hermanos Rodríguez, set at an altitude of over 2,200 metres, will mark his second appearance in the FW47 following his debut in Bahrain earlier this year. He has also previously driven for the team at Abu Dhabi FP1 in 2024, and in post-season testing, gathering extensive experience through Williams’ Testing Previous Cars (TPC) program.
The session in Mexico will be Browning’s third of four mandatory rookie runs required by the FIA per team each season. His involvement is part of Williams’ broader effort to integrate young drivers into the top tier of motorsport.
“I’m really grateful to be back in free practice with Williams and to be driving the FW47 again,” Browning said. “I’ve been working hard to prepare for this session, and I want to make the most of this fantastic opportunity to contribute to the team’s weekend plans. I can’t wait to get back in an F1 car.”
Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets praised Browning’s progression, saying, “Luke has been very strong in F2 this season, consistently proving his speed on a variety of circuits and in different conditions. He’s been instrumental in our simulator development and TPC program, so he’s well prepared for FP1. We’re confident he’ll continue to impress as he gains more experience.”
The Williams Racing Driver Academy, which has previously helped drivers like Franco Colapinto rise through the ranks, continues to be a cornerstone of the team’s long-term talent pipeline. Browning’s trajectory through the academy showcases Williams’ dedication to developing complete drivers — both on and off the track — through technical training, media handling, and mental conditioning.
With his strong F2 campaign and increasing F1 seat time, Luke Browning is edging ever closer to a potential full-time Formula 1 opportunity, and the Mexican GP outing could be another key step toward that goal.
