Williams Racing to field Luke Browning for Monza FP1

Williams Racing has confirmed that reserve driver Luke Browning will drive Alex Albon’s FW48 during the first free practice session (FP1) at the Italian Grand Prix in Monza. This marks Browning’s second appearance in a practice session this season and his sixth official training session for the team.

The move fulfills the FIA mandate requiring teams to field rookie drivers in a specific number of practice sessions per season. Browning, who currently competes in the Japanese Super Formula championship with Team Kondo Racing, aims to use the session to gather data and feedback to assist the team at their Grove factory.

Browning previously participated in practice sessions in Barcelona and Austria this year, though an electrical fault in Barcelona prevented him from completing any laps. Alex Albon will return to the car for the remaining practice sessions, qualifying, and the race.