Williams Promotes Victor Martins to Test Driver Amid Alpine WEC Move
Victor Martins will be Williams' test driver in 2026 while also racing for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship, marking his exit from Formula 2.
Williams junior driver Victor Martins is set for a dual-role in 2026, combining a new test and development position with the F1 team and a Hypercar drive with Alpine in the World Endurance Championship. The move marks Martins' graduation from the Williams Driver Academy and his departure from Formula 2 after three seasons, solidifying his place in top-level motorsport.
Why it matters:
This strategic move provides a clear pathway for a talented young driver, keeping him within the F1 ecosystem while gaining valuable experience in a top-tier prototype series. For Williams, retaining a promising driver who has already contributed valuable feedback throughout the 2025 season strengthens their development program. For Martins, it's a high-profile opportunity to compete at Le Mans while remaining integrated with an F1 team's operations.
The details:
- Martins will officially become Williams' Test and Development Driver, working in the simulator and providing feedback to race drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.
- The 24-year-old Frenchman, a former Formula 3 champion, has previous experience with the team, having driven in FP1 during the 2024 Spanish Grand Prix.
- He will join Alpine's WEC effort, competing in the Hypercar class, with the 24 Hours of Le Mans being a key motivator for the move.
- Martins was previously part of the Alpine junior program before switching to the Williams academy for 2025, making this a return of sorts for the French driver.
What's next:
Martins' first race with the Alpine A424 Hypercar is scheduled for the Qatar 1812km at the end of March. At Williams, his simulator work and feedback will be crucial for the development of the FW48 and future car projects as the team aims to continue its climb up the grid.