Victor Martins at the wheel of the Williams in Barcelona FP1

There will be four French drivers on track during the first free practice session of the Spanish Grand Prix. Alongside Pierre Gasly, Esteban Ocon, and Isack Hadjar, Victor Martins will complete the tricolor contingent at the wheel of Alex Albon’s car.

On this occasion, the 2022 F3 champion will perform his first laps in a Formula 1 car this year. A member of the Williams Academy since early 2025, Martins is currently competing in his third F2 season with the ART Grand Prix team, during which he has so far secured a pole position in Australia and a podium in Saudi Arabia, allowing him to rank 8th in the championship.

« I am very happy to take the wheel of the FW47 for the first time in Barcelona. It will be an incredible experience to drive for the team », said the native of Quincy-sous-Sénart in the Williams statement.

« I am preparing myself as best as possible to maximize my time in the car and have a productive session for myself and the team. I am very grateful to all the members of Williams for giving me this opportunity and I can’t wait to enjoy every second! »

In preparation for this session, Martins took part in a TPC test (Testing of Previous Cars) at Monza earlier this year aboard a 2023 season FW45, alongside another member of the Williams Academy, Luke Browning.

“We are delighted that Victor can participate in his first official session with Atlassian Williams Racing in Barcelona. He continues to demonstrate his talent as a driver, and this session represents an important step in his career as a member of our academy,” said Sven Smeets, the sporting director of the Grove-based team.

Note that the four French drivers who will participate in FP1 in Barcelona will each have a different engine behind them. Renault for Gasly, Ferrari for Ocon, Honda for Hadjar, and therefore Mercedes for Martins.