The rookie driver programme will once again be in the spotlight at the Austrian Grand Prix. During the most recent race weekend in Barcelona, no fewer than seven rookie drivers took part in FP1, and Austria will feature several fresh faces as well.
Among them is Japanese driver Ryo Hirakawa, who is set to take to the track with Haas. Following the announcement from the American team, Williams and Aston Martin have now also confirmed their FP1 plans for Spielberg.
Back on track
For the historic British team, there will not actually be a completely new face behind the wheel. Just as he did at the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya—where an electrical issue on the FW48 limited his running—Luke Browning will once again participate in FP1.
This time, however, the 24-year-old Williams Academy driver will not replace Alexander Albon as he did in Spain. Instead, he will take over Carlos Sainz’s car for the opening practice session. It will mark Browning’s sixth FP1 appearance in Formula 1.
Return after Suzuka
The second rookie outing of the season, and the fourth of his Formula 1 career overall, will belong to American driver Jak Crawford. Aston Martin’s reserve and development driver will step into the cockpit in place of Lance Stroll for the opening practice session in Austria.
“It’s great to have another opportunity to drive the AMR26 during a race weekend,” Crawford said. “Austria is a circuit I know well, and it’s really special to return to the Red Bull Ring with the team almost two years after my first test in an Aston Martin Formula 1 car.
“I’ve spent a lot of time in the simulator this season supporting the team, and I recently completed the tyre test in Barcelona, so I’m looking forward to putting everything I’ve learned into practice on track.
“Every opportunity in a Formula 1 car is valuable, and I’ll be focused on providing useful feedback and maximising the session for the team.”
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