Williams Racing has made a significant addition to its Formula 1 operations, confirming that French driver Victor Martins will join the team as a test and reserve driver for the 2026 season. The announcement was made on Monday, 13th January 2026.
Balancing F1 Development with Elite Racing
The appointment sees Martins take on a unique dual role in the world of motorsport. Alongside his new Formula 1 duties with the Grove-based squad, he will maintain a full-time race seat in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC), driving for the Alpine Hypercar team. This arrangement is designed to keep him deeply involved in F1's technical landscape while simultaneously gaining invaluable top-level race experience.
A Crucial Role in Williams' Technical Overhaul
Martins' primary focus within the Williams team will be centred on the development and refinement of the team's advanced driver-in-loop simulator. This work is deemed essential for navigating the sweeping new technical regulations set for introduction in 2026. His simulator contributions will directly aid in the development of the future FW48 chassis, supporting the team's long-term ambition to fight for World Championship success once more.
Williams' Sporting Director, Sven Smeets, emphasised the value of Martins' prior experience, noting that his run in a Formula 1 car during a Free Practice 1 session in Barcelona provides crucial "real-world context" for his simulator work. He will share development responsibilities with the experienced Oliver Turvey and Harrison Scott.
Reuniting with Alpine for Le Mans Ambition
Martins' parallel campaign in the WEC marks a return to familiar surroundings, having spent several formative years within the Alpine (formerly Renault) junior programme. The driver expressed that the chance to compete for a French manufacturer at the legendary 24 Hours of Le Mans is a "huge motivation" and a major career milestone.
Beyond the main F1 team's simulator, Martins will also assist in cultivating talent for the future by helping to develop a dedicated simulator programme for the Williams Driver Academy. He stated his excitement at being part of the project to return this iconic team to the front of the grid during a pivotal era for the sport.
