Williams Racing has officially announced that Victor Martins, a recent standout in Formula 2, will take on the role of Test and Development Driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season. Alongside this responsibility, the 24-year-old Frenchman will also compete in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Alpine.
Martins’ journey with Williams began when he joined their Driver Academy at the start of 2025. His impressive track record includes clinching the 2020 Formula Renault Eurocup title, winning the FIA Formula 3 championship in 2022, and finishing as the top rookie in the FIA Formula 2 series in 2023. His F2 performances, particularly with ART Grand Prix, have seen him secure multiple podiums and race victories, including his latest triumph in the 2025 Qatar Feature Race.
Stepping into his new position at Williams, Martins will work closely with the team, assisting Oliver Turvey and Harrison Scott. The primary focus of his duties will be to enhance the team's development programs in light of the significant technical regulations changes set to roll out in the upcoming seasons. “I’m excited to be part of the project to bring this team back to the front of the grid,” said Martins, reflecting on his role in a press release.
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Having previously participated in F1 practice sessions, including his debut at the 2025 Spanish Grand Prix, Martins expressed eagerness to continue collaborating with the team's main drivers, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz. “Thanks to [Team Principal] James Vowles, Sven [Smeets, Sporting Director] and everyone at Williams for the opportunity,” he added.
Sven Smeets supported Martins’ promotion by emphasizing the driver's considerable impact on the team during his prior experience. “[Victor] is a talented driver who has consistently given invaluable guidance and feedback to the team,” Smeets said. His contributions have proved essential in enhancing the on-track performance and supporting the main drivers throughout the 2025 season.
Martins’ responsibilities will include refining the state-of-the-art driver-in-loop simulator introduced by Williams at the end of 2025. He will also help create a dedicated simulator program for the Driver Academy aimed at nurturing aspiring drivers on their journey to Formula 1. “His recent experience driving the FW47 in Barcelona FP1 and supporting the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) program gives him the real-world context to make a real impact on the development of the FW48 and future car programs,” Smeets noted, underlining Martins’ specific skills that will benefit the team.
As Williams gears up for the 2026 season, the addition of Martins as a test driver marks a strategic move towards revitalizing their competitive edge in Formula 1. His dual role underscores Williams’ commitment to fostering young talent while also advancing their engineering capabilities in light of the sport's evolving regulations. The team, long recognized for its historical significance in F1, aims to reclaim its status among the leaders in the grid with fresh talent and innovative strategies.
In conclusion, the decision to bring Martins into a central role at Williams indicates a promising direction for the team as they prepare for an exciting new era in Formula 1.