Williams Racing bring in Victor Martins as Test and Development Driver for upcoming season

British Formula One team Williams Racing have recently announced that their Driver Academy member Victor Martins will take up the role of a Test and Development Driver for the Formula One 2026 season. Martins additionally, will also race for Alpine in the FIA World Endurance Championship.

Martins, who joined the Williams Driver Academy in 2025, has won the Formula Renault Eurocup Champion in 2020, FIA Formula 3 Champion in 2022. As a Test and Development Driver, he will join  Oliver Turvey and Harrison Scott in the role and will work with the team to help with development programmes to support Williams’ main F1 drivers, Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.

Victor Martins, said,

“Williams is an iconic team with an incredible history and I’m excited to be part of the project to bring this team back to the front of the grid. I’ve already had experience working with Alex and Carlos during race weekends, and I’m looking forward to continuing this work with the team in 2026. Thanks to James, Sven and everyone at Williams for the opportunity.”

Sven Smeets, Sporting Director, Williams F1 Team, commented,

“We’re glad to welcome Victor into his new role as Test and Development Driver in 2026. He is a talented driver who has consistently given invaluable guidance and feedback to the team, improving our on-track performance and supporting Alex and Carlos throughout the 2025 season. His recent experience driving the FW47 in Barcelona FP1 and supporting the TPC (Testing of Previous Cars) programme gives him the real-world context to make real impact on the development of the FW48 and future car programmes.”