Williams F1 junior speaks out after violent Suzuka test crash
Williams F1 reserve driver Luke Browning praises HANS for protecting him in a high-speed crash at Suzuka.
Williams Formula 1 reserve driver Luke Browning says the HANS device “saved my neck” in a terrifying crash during a Super Formula test at Suzuka.
Browning lost control of his car in wet conditions at the high-speed 130R and spun off into the gravel. The car then flipped over the tyre barriers, before landing upside down on the grass embankment.
Thankfully, the 24-year-old Briton walked away from the shocking shunt unhurt.
Browning was full of praise for the HANS safety device when he spoke for the first time since the enormous crash.
“It was just a push lap,” Browning said as he explained the incident. “A bit of an unfortunate crash, just aquaplaned unfortunately when the rain came down. So I was a little bit of a passenger at that point.
“I think in hindsight I would have pitted when the rain came down so hard. These lessons you learn, it's all about learning over here. And yeah, for me, that was a lesson learned today that I can take to go forward in my career.”
Asked if he felt any pain after the crash, Browning responded: “All good, completely fine. Luckily I landed on the hay and did not hit the barriers, so I feel all good.
“The HANS device is just fantastic. I think that saved my neck. Big thanks to them guys.”
Despite his monstrous crash, Browning set the fourth-fastest time in the morning session and was fifth-quickest in the afternoon.
Browning is set to compete in his rookie Super Formula season in Japan with the Toyota-powered Kondo Racing in 2026, which he will dovetail alongside his new Williams F1 team role.
He will act as a back-up to Williams regulars Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz during the upcoming 2026 F1 season, which kicks off next weekend in Australia.
F1 schedule clashes with Super Formula mean Browning will not be present at the Canadian, Belgian, Singapore and Las Vegas grands prix this season.
Browning, a GB3 champion, Macau Grand Prix winner and Formula 3 and Formula 2 frontrunner, is targeting a future F1 drive.
He has already taken part in three F1 practice sessions for Williams, as well as the post-season Abu Dhabi test in December.
Browning finished fourth in the 2025 F2 championship standings, claiming one victory at the feature race at Monza.
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