Historic Debut for Victor Martins at Barcelona
Victor Martins, a rising star in the Williams Racing Academy, made his much-anticipated Formula 1 practice debut during the first Free Practice session (FP1) at the Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. The young Frenchman took the wheel of Alex Albon's FW47 car, marking a significant milestone in his career. This opportunity came as part of the F1 regulation requiring each team to field a rookie driver in at least two practice sessions per season, totaling four FP1 outings per team.
Martins expressed his excitement about the experience, stating, 'I'm super happy to be taking the wheel of the FW47 for the first time in Barcelona!' He added, 'It will be an incredible experience to drive for the team. I'm working hard to prepare as much as possible to maximize my time in the car and make it a valuable session for myself and the team.' His enthusiasm was palpable as he stepped into the high-stakes world of F1 racing.
Performance and Praise from Williams Leadership
During the FP1 session, Martins delivered an impressive performance, finishing just 0.6 seconds behind Ferrari's Carlos Sainz. Williams team principal James Vowles praised the debutant's efforts, noting, 'Victor did a good job — just 0.6s off Sainz, with most of that in Turn 9 and the final corner.' Vowles also highlighted Martins' cautious approach, saying, 'He's being careful with the car, and I like that. To be 0.45s off in your first run with us is solid.'
This debut follows Martins' strong showings in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with ART Grand Prix, where he secured pole position in Melbourne and a podium finish in the Saudi Arabia Feature Race in 2025. His prior success in Formula 2, including being crowned top rookie in 2023 and achieving five podiums in 2024 with a victory in Barcelona, underscores his potential as a future F1 contender.
The Williams team has been supportive of their junior drivers, with another protege, Luke Browning, having participated in an FP1 session earlier this season at the Bahrain Grand Prix. Both drivers tested the FW45 machinery from the 2023 campaign in Monza, further preparing them for these critical opportunities.
Looking Ahead for Martins and Williams
Martins' debut comes at a challenging time for Williams, as the team braces for difficulties at the Barcelona circuit. Despite improvements to their 2025 car, the track's characteristics have proven incompatible with their setup, potentially impacting their overall performance at the Spanish Grand Prix. However, Martins' focus remained on maximizing his time in the car to provide valuable feedback to the team.
Currently competing in Formula 2, Martins continues to build his resume with standout results. His journey from karting success to single-seater racing since 2017, including a second-place finish that year, showcases his steady progression through the ranks. As he balances his F2 commitments with these F1 opportunities, the motorsport community eagerly watches to see if this debut is the first step toward a full-time seat in Formula 1.