Albon sits out: Williams lets rookie Luke Browning run in Monza practice

– Williams will once again put its junior driver Luke Browning behind the wheel during training for the Formula 1 race in Monza, thus fulfilling the next part of its commitment to give a rookie driving time. Each team must do this twice per car during the season (see overview of Friday drivers 2026).

Read more Qatar Grand Prix in Imola: Why this scenario is becoming increasingly likely

For Browning, who will replace Alexander Albon in the first practice, this is already his third outing in the FW48 this year after Spielberg and Barcelona, although he was unable to complete a single lap in Barcelona due to technical problems.

Williams itself therefore states that Browning is getting his second outing this year and fulfilling only the second of four rookie test sessions. However, the regulations do not specify exactly how many laps a junior driver must complete for the outing to be considered fulfilled.

The Friday drivers at a glance

At the Red Bull Ring, Browning then sat behind the wheel of the FW48 for the first time during a full practice session under the new technical regulations and gained valuable track experience with the new generation of cars.

The knowledge gained there is of central importance as it directly feeds into his simulator work and, alongside his role as a reserve driver at the track, supports the team’s progress behind the scenes.

Read more Scott Redding: Marquez had the right pass and the sponsors

“I am excited to get another chance to drive an FP1 session for Williams,” says the 24-year-old. “It is a fantastic opportunity to collect invaluable laps in the FW48, deepen my understanding of the car, and provide useful data and feedback to the factory in Grove.”

Photo gallery: The most promising juniors of the Formula 1 teams 2026

“Every session takes you further, and I want to absorb every detail to push myself and the team forward. This weekend is mainly about helping Williams get the maximum result here in Monza,” says Browning.

Browning was allowed to participate in a rookie training for the first time at the 2024 season finale in Abu Dhabi and since then – with one exception – has been the only choice of the racing team for a Friday driver. Only in Barcelona 2025 was another driver, Victor Martins, allowed to get into the car.

Besides his duties as a reserve driver for Williams, Browning is competing in the Japanese Super Formula series in 2026 but is currently only twelfth overall after four of six race weekends.

Read more MotoGP team change confirmed: Fermin Aldeguer will be a VR46 rider