Written by: Daniel Yi, Edited by: Janvi Unni
Ferrari Driver Academy member and 2020 F2 runner-up Callum Ilott has been announced as Alfa Romeo’s second reserve driver for the 2021 F1 season.
The 22 year-old British driver who is also serving as Ferrari’s test and reserve driver, previously tested for Alfa Romeo back in 2019 and also in 2020 as part of the Young Driver’s Test. He will share the reserve driver duties with main reserve driver Robert Kubica and take part in a couple of FP1 practice sessions this season, with the first one in the upcoming race at Portimao.
Kubica is currently competing in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and European Le Mans Series this season. Therefore, Ilott will take over for Kubica in the event that Kubica is unavailable to perform reserve driver duties due to other race commitments.
“I am really happy to be joining the team for this season and I’d like to thank Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN and the Ferrari Driver Academy for the trust they have put in me,” Ilott said.
He added, “The two sessions I had with the team in the last two years have been extremely useful in getting me accustomed to the way a Formula One team works and I am confident I can hit the ground running in my new role as one of the reserve drivers at Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN.”
Alfa Romeo team principal Frédéric Vasseur spoke highly of the young Briton.
“I am delighted to welcome Callum to our team; his journey through the junior series has been an impressive one and he is without doubt one of the most talented young drivers coming through the ranks,”
“He has worked with us before, each time leaving a lasting impression thanks to his work ethic and good feedback, and I have no doubt he will be a very positive addition to Robert Kubica, who will be unavailable on various occasions due to his other racing programmes.”
Vasseur added, “Callum will have a busy programme and we can’t wait to see him on track again this weekend.”
Ilott will certainly be looking to make an impact in his debut for Alfa Romeo and to use this opportunity to prove his worth for a full time F1 seat.
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