Martins gets the call up! Williams promote rising star to test & development role
Victor Martins, French racing driver and Atlassian Williams Formula One (F1) Team. Have announced that Martins has been appointed test and development driver for the 2026 season. Martins will work across Williams’ facilities, including their simulator and track side operations.
Martins’ role begins for the 2026 F1 season, coinciding with the sport’s major technical regulation overhaul. Williams selected Martins because he brings recent competitive form, including a dominant win at the 2025 Qatar Feature Race as well as strong technical feedback and development skills.
Victor Martins, Atlassian Williams F1 Team Test & Development Driver said: “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.”
With the team emphasising that Martins will play a “crucial role” in advancing development as F1 enters an unprecedented change in technical regulations.
Taking the next step in his impressive motorsport career, Martins will graduate from the Academy into the test and development driver role at Williams alongside Oliver Turvey along with Harrison Scott.
Martins added: “I’ve already had experience working with Alex and Carlos during race weekends, I’m looking forward to continuing this work with the team in 2026.”
He will play a crucial role in advancing the team’s development programmes to support the drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz as the sport enters an unprecedented change in technical regulations.
This will include refining Williams’ state-of-the-art driver-in-loop (DIL) simulator which came online at the end of 2025. All in pursuit of the team’s ongoing plans to invest in the people, technology and infrastructure needed in the pursuit of future World Championship success.
Sven Smeets, Atlassian Williams F1 Team Sporting Director said: “He is a talented driver who has consistently given invaluable guidance and feedback to the team, improving our on track performance and supporting Albon and Sainz throughout the 2025 season.”
Martins will also be involved in developing a dedicated Academy DIL as part of our commitment to support young talent on their path to F1.
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