WATCH: Williams F1 reserve walks away from terrifying Suzuka crash
Williams F1 reserve driver Luke Browning was unharmed in the scary shunt at Suzuka.
Williams Formula 1 reserve driver Luke Browning has escaped unharmed from a terrifying crash at Suzuka.
Browning, who will serve as a back-up to Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz during the upcoming 2026 F1 season, was taking part in a Japanese Super Formula test at Suzuka when the accident occurred.
The 24-year-old Briton lost control of his car and spun off in wet conditions at the famed 130R left-hander towards the end of the lap.
Browning’s car dug into the gravel and was launched into a terrifying somersault over the Tecpro wall, before landing upside down on the grass behind it.
Browning was not hurt in the horrendous crash and was seen walking away from the incident after being helped out of his stricken car by marshals.
Browning will contest a full season in the Super Formula championship this year with Toyota-powered Kondo Racing team.
As such, Browning will not be available for Williams for the Canadian, Belgian, Singapore and Las Vegas grands prix.
Browning finished fourth in his rookie Formula 2 season in 2025, claiming one victory in the feature race at Monza.
He has already participated in three F1 practice sessions for Williams, as well as the Abu Dhabi post-season test in December.
Upon the announcement of his promotion to Williams F1 reserve in January, Browning said: “I’m incredibly excited to be stepping up as Reserve Driver with Atlassian Williams F1 Team this year.
“The Academy has been instrumental in my growth, supporting me through both Formula 3 and Formula 2 while giving me the chance to get up to speed with modern F1 machinery through testing and FP1 sessions. I look forward to working alongside Alex and Carlos to drive the team forward in this new era for Formula 1.
“I’m also happy to confirm that 2026 will be my rookie season in Super Formula. This will be a completely new challenge, and I’m looking forward to getting stuck in! As my next step up towards a full-time Formula 1 seat, this gives me another chance to show how I've developed on track and continue to build my skills in a new environment and culture.”
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