Williams retains Jack Aitken for official reserve driver role

Williams Racing, partnered by Acronis, has confirmed thar Jack Aitken will continue in his role as the team’s Official Reserve Driver for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

Aitken joined the team at the start of the 2020 season, driving in FP1 at the Austrian Grand Prix before making his F1 debut with Williams at the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix when George Russell replaced Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes.

After providing me with one of the most special moments of my career to date last year, I’m so glad to continue with @WilliamsRacing in my position of Reserve Driver. I will complement this role with other programmes, to be announced shortly (👀). With all that said, #DOTUS 🤙🏻 pic.twitter.com/5R1XkW1Rqa

— Jack Aitken – 한세용 (@JaitkenRacer) March 4, 2021

“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,” said Aitken of the announcement.

“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.”

Jack Aitken (GBR) / (KOR) Williams Racing Reserve Driver, making his debut drive at the Sakhir Grand Prix of Bahrain.
Sakhir Grand Prix, Thursday 3rd December 2020. Sakhir, Bahrain.

Aitken’s duties will follow the same pattern as last season, undertaking important simulator work at the team’ Grove factory. He will again take part in a second FP1 session and support the team in media and marketing activities throughout the year.

“We are pleased to retain Jack for the 2021 season,” added Simon Roberts, Team Principal of Williams Racing. “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.”