Victor Martins is set to step up as Williams’ 2026 test and development driver

F1 Grand Prix, GP United States, Circuit of The Americas

Williams has confirmed that Victor Martins will take on a new role as Test and Development Driver for the 2026 Formula One season, marking the next major step in the Frenchman’s rising motorsport career. Martins will combine his duties at Grove with a full campaign in the FIA World Endurance Championship, racing for the Alpine Endurance Team.

Martins joined the Williams Driver Academy at the start of 2025, already carrying an impressive résumé: Formula Renault Eurocup Champion in 2020, FIA Formula 3 Champion in 2022, and top rookie in his debut FIA Formula 2 season in 2023. Over three years in F2, he collected multiple victories, including a dominant lights‑to‑flag win in the 2025 Qatar Feature Race.

His promotion sees him graduate from the Academy into a key technical role alongside Oliver Turvey and Harrison Scott. As Williams prepares for the sweeping regulation changes arriving in 2026, Martins will contribute to the development of the FW48 and future car programmes, supporting race drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz.

A major part of his responsibilities will involve refining Williams’ new state‑of‑the‑art driver‑in‑loop (DIL) simulator, which came online at the end of 2025. The team is also building a dedicated Driver Academy DIL, with Martins set to play a central role in shaping the next generation of simulator‑based training tools.

Martins expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity, saying: “Williams is an iconic team with an incredible history and I’m excited to be part of the project to bring this team back to the front of the grid.

I’ve already had experience working with Alex and Carlos during race weekends, and I’m looking forward to continuing this work with the team in 2026. Thanks to James Vowles, Sven and everyone at Williams for the opportunity.”

Williams Sporting Director Sven Smeets praised Martins’ progression and the value he brings to the team’s development efforts.

“We’re glad to welcome Victor into his new role as Test and Development Driver in 2026. He is a talented driver who has consistently given invaluable guidance and feedback to the team, improving our on-track performance and supporting Alex and Carlos throughout the 2025 season.

"His recent experience driving the FW47 in Barcelona FP1 and supporting the TPC programme gives him the real-world context to make real impact on the development of the FW48 and future car programmes.”