Most of the time, drivers progress to F1 by way of the established path of F3 and Components 2, however sometimes there are exceptions.
Probably the most notable instance lately is three-time world champion Max Verstappen, who graduated to the highest tier straight from European F3 in 2015 with Toro Rosso.
Coming into his second season in F3, Williams Academy prospect Browning has his eyes set on a possible FP1 drive by the top of the 12 months and believes the possibility of a full-time seat in 2025 shouldn’t be dominated out.
“It’s a risk and one thing that I need to push for is to get right into a Components 1 automotive and I’m positive if I win the championship or I’m proper there, it will likely be one thing that the blokes resolve. However finally, it’s not my alternative,” Browning instructed Motorsport.com in an unique interview.
“It’ll be right down to James [Vowles] and the administration of Williams to, in the event that they see I’m match and do a very good job, to stay me in an F1 on the finish of the 12 months.
“It’d be a dream for me. I might like to drive the Williams automotive and, all being properly, I hope it will likely be the case.”
Nevertheless, Browning’s path into an F1 seat is way from clear, with fellow Williams Academy drivers Zak O’Sullivan and Franco Colapinto each competing in F2 this time period with ART Grand Prix and MP Motorsport respectively.
Additionally it is value noting that each O’Sullivan and Colapinto have already accomplished laps in Williams F1 equipment.
However Browning, too, has already garnered some F1 expertise, sampling the Aston Martin AMR21 at Silverstone final 12 months after successful the Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Younger Driver of the 12 months award.
Luke Browning, Aston Martim AMR21, Aston Martin Autosport BRDC Younger Driver Check at Silverstone
Picture by: James Sutton / Motorsport Photographs
Additional complicating issues is the early begin to the driving force switch market, sparked largely by Lewis Hamilton’s transfer to Ferrari.
When seeking to signal present incumbent Logan Sargeant on the finish of 2022, Williams used FP1 periods so as to add factors to the American’s tremendous licence, one thing the group may elect to do once more this time period ought to they give the impression of being to discipline one other rookie in 2025.
Undeterred by these potential roadblocks, Browning added: “F1 drivers previously have gone from F3 to Components 1. Verstappen did it, Kimi [Raikkonen] did it [from Formula Renault 2000 Eurocup]. If I’m particular sufficient, it’s attainable. However for one thing like that, you’ve acquired to have a very particular season.
“We’ve already received Macau in my first season driving the automotive. If I’m to win the championship and win Macau once more, possibly it’s one thing that Williams would take into account. However you already know, I’ve acquired to show that and let’s see.
“Possibly if I do find yourself having the FP1 in Abu Dhabi and it goes notably properly, they may see it as a possible choice. In the meanwhile, there was no discuss of it in any way, however on this sport, issues transfer shortly.”
