Williams retains Aitken as reserve driver for 2021 F1 season

Williams has announced Jack Aitken will remain the team's official reserve driver for the 2021 Formula 1 season.
Jack Aitken (GBR) / (KOR) Williams Racing.
Jack Aitken (GBR) / (KOR) Williams Racing.
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Williams has announced Jack Aitken will remain the team's official reserve driver for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Aitken made his F1 debut at last season's Sakhir Grand Prix after George Russell was called up by Mercedes to replace Lewis Hamilton.

The 25-year-old will be handed one further FP1 outing during the year having taken part in first practice for the Styrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring in 2020.

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Speaking about the announcement, Aitken said: “After providing me with one of the most special moments of my career to date last year, I am absolutely delighted to continue with Williams in the position of reserve driver. In my short time at Grove I have already found many friends, and a deep desire for success as a team.

“The professionalism and work ethic of everyone here is something that makes me wear my kit with pride, and having had a taste of racing in last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix, I am fully intent on providing as much support as possible while continuing my development as a race driver. I will complement this role with other programmes, to be announced shortly, which will aid me in this goal and provide opportunities to expand my skills even further.”

Aitken revealed on Twitter he intends to race full-time in other categories but has yet to announce where he will be racing in 2021.

Williams team principal Simon Roberts, added: “We are pleased to retain Jack for the 2021 season. He is a great talent and quickly became a much-liked member of the team. He really impressed us with his performance at the Sakhir Grand Prix last year in Bahrain, stepping up to the challenge at short notice to put in a strong performance over the course of the weekend. Jack is a talented individual that works incredibly hard, and we look forward to seeing him contribute to the team once again this season.”

Williams will launch its 2021 challenger - the FW43B - on Friday afternoon.

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