Williams Racing has officially confirmed Victor Martins F1 practice debut is set for this weekend’s Formula 1 Spanish Grand Prix FP1, taking the wheel of Alex Albon’s car.
The highly anticipated move marks a significant milestone in Martins’ career and underscores Williams’ ongoing commitment to nurturing young talent through its Driver Academy.
Victor Martins F1 debut comes as part of the team’s compliance with Formula 1 regulations mandating the inclusion of rookie drivers in at least two FP1 sessions per season, with the 23-year-old set to take over Alex Albon’s FW47 for the pivotal session.
Martins’ journey to the landmark moment is a testament to his resilience, adaptability, and racing prowess. The Frenchman has been a prominent figure in the junior single-seater ladder with a career defined by consistent progression and notable achievements.
His early karting career laid the foundation for his single-seater racing career which began with the Formula Renault Eurocup where he claimed the championship, setting the stage for his move to Formula 3.
The young driver proceeded to clinch the fiercely contested Formula 3 championship in 2022 where he triumphed over rivals such as Isack Hadjar and Ollie Bearman at the season finale in Monza, securing a promotion to Formula 2 with ART Grand Prix for the 2023 season.
Martins’ rookie year in F2 saw him crowned top rookie and he played a crucial role in securing ART Grand Prix’s maiden F2 Teams’ title. His performances included five podiums in 2024, highlighted by a victory in Barcelona—a circuit where he now returns to make his F1 debut.
Martins’ ascent was not without its challenges. Despite his evident pace and skill, his second season in F2 was marked by both triumphs and setbacks ultimately finishing seventh in the 2024 championship – a result that belied his potential.
Notably, his 2025 F2 campaign began with a pole position in Melbourne and a podium in the Saudi Arabia Feature Race, reaffirming his credentials as one of the most promising drivers of his generation.
The path to Formula 1 for Martins also involved a significant shift in his development trajectory. Having been a member of the Alpine Academy since 2021, Martins parted ways with the French manufacturer ahead of the 2025 season, opening the door for Williams to secure his services.
“Atlassian Williams Racing is pleased to announce that Williams Racing Academy Driver Victor Martins will take part in the first Free Practice session at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix this weekend in Barcelona, driving Alex Albon’s FW47,” a team statement read.
“This FP1 session fulfils the team’s second of four mandated driver sessions this year and marks Victor’s debut drive in a Formula 1 weekend.”
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“Victor’s participation in the FP1 session is part of the Williams Racing Driver Academy’s proud tradition of giving young talent a path into F1, most recently demonstrated by Academy alumnus Franco Colapinto’s graduation into an F1 race seat.
“The Driver Academy supports drivers on every rung of the motorsport ladder, working with them on and off the track to develop the skills necessary to race at the top level.”
Williams has made comprehensive preparations for Victor Martins F1 practice debut. Besides his ongoing F2 campaign, he has participated in Williams’ Testing of Previous Cars (TPC) programme, gaining experience in the FW45 at Monza alongside fellow Academy driver Luke Browning.
He has also been actively involved in simulator work at the team’s Grove headquarters, ensuring he is well-versed in the technical and operational aspects of Formula 1 machinery.
