Atlassian Williams Racing has confirmed that Academy Driver Victor Martins will make his official Formula 1 debut during Free Practice 1 at this weekend’s Spanish Grand Prix in Barcelona. The Frenchman will step into Alex Albon’s FW47 for the session, fulfilling the team’s second mandated rookie driver outing of the 2025 season.
Martins, currently competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship with ART Grand Prix, has shown impressive form throughout 2025. His standout performances include a Pole Position in Melbourne and a podium finish in the Feature Race at the Saudi Arabian Grand Prix.
This latest opportunity comes off the back of two strong F2 seasons. He was crowned top rookie in 2023 and followed that up with five podiums in 2024, including a commanding victory at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya. Martins previously made waves in FIA Formula 3, where he clinched the 2022 title with two Feature Race wins and four additional podiums, sealing the championship with a win in the Monza finale.
In preparation for his F1 debut, Martins took part in Williams Racing’s TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme earlier this year, driving the FW45 at Monza alongside fellow Academy driver Luke Browning. He has also completed extensive simulator work at the team’s base in Grove.
Martins’ participation continues Williams Racing’s tradition of promoting young talent through its Driver Academy. The programme supports emerging drivers both on and off the track, with a track record of developing F1-ready talent – most recently evidenced by Franco Colapinto’s graduation to a full-time F1 race seat.
Victor Martins:
“I’m super happy to be taking the wheel of the FW47 for the first time in Barcelona! It will be an incredible experience to drive for the team. I’m working hard to prepare as much as possible to maximise my time in the car and make it a valuable session for myself and the team. I’m hugely grateful to everyone at Atlassian Williams Racing for giving me this opportunity and I’m looking forward to enjoying every second of it!”
Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, Atlassian Williams Racing:
“We’re proud that Victor will be taking part in his first Formula 1 session with Atlassian Williams Racing in Barcelona. He continues to demonstrate that he is a talented driver, and this session is an important step forward in his career as part of the Academy. His participation in our TPC programme and simulator work in Grove have prepared him well and we look forward to seeing him in the garage this weekend.”
Martins’ FP1 outing will offer both the driver and team valuable data as he takes his first step onto the F1 stage—on a circuit where he’s already a proven race winner.
