Williams Promotes Academy Grad Victor Martins to Test and Development Role for 2026
Williams promotes F3 champion Victor Martins to a 2026 test driver role. The academy graduate will be key in developing the team's new cars under upcoming regulations while also racing for Alpine in WEC.
Williams is promoting academy graduate Victor Martins to the official role of Test and Development Driver for the 2026 season. The move leverages the FIA Formula 3 champion's proven talent and recent feedback to bolster the team's ambitious development program ahead of major technical regulation changes. Martins will also continue his racing career in the FIA World Endurance Championship with Alpine.
Why it matters:
This promotion is a clear signal of Williams' long-term strategy under team principal James Vowles. By investing in and promoting from within, the team is building a solid foundation of talent to support its significant infrastructure upgrades. With a massive regulation overhaul coming in 2026, having a skilled and dedicated development driver like Martins is crucial for translating simulator work into on-track success and accelerating the team's return to the front of the grid.
The details:
- Impressive Pedigree: Martins is a decorated junior driver, with titles in Formula Renault Eurocup (2020) and FIA Formula 3 (2022), along with multiple race wins in Formula 2, including a dominant feature race win in Qatar in 2025.
- Key Responsibilities: His primary focus will be advancing Williams' development programs, including refining their new state-of-the-art driver-in-loop (DIL) simulator, which came online at the end of 2025. He will also assist in developing a dedicated simulator for the driver academy.
- Real-World Experience: He has already contributed significantly during the 2025 season, including driving the FW47 during a Barcelona FP1 session and participating in TPC (Testing of Previous Cars), giving him valuable context for his new role.
- Dual Program: Martins will balance his Williams duties with a full-season campaign in the FIA World Endurance Championship for the Alpine Endurance Team, ensuring he maintains sharp racing instincts.
What's next:
Martins will be integral to the development of the FW48 and future cars as Williams adapts to the new regulatory landscape. His work in the simulator will directly support race drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz, providing crucial data and feedback. This promotion not only strengthens Williams' immediate development capabilities but also solidifies a clear pathway for young talent to progress into Formula 1.