The 25-year-old Anglo-South Korean/Scot Jack Aitken has just announced the extension of his contract with the Williams academy as a reserve driver for the Formula One team.
Written by Bruna Brito, Edited by Aiden Hover
Jack Aitken making his Formula 1 race debut, at Williams for the Sakhir Grand Prix replacing George Russell, December 2020 (Photo Credits: F1/ Getty Images)
Aitken has two seasons of Formula 2 experience under his belt, with three wins achieved for the Campos Racing team. The Brit joined Renault’s driver academy in 2016 and the following year finished runner-up on his GP3 debut. That season was won by fellow Williams driver, George Russell.
In 2018, the Brit was announced as a test driver for the Renault F1 team, a role he played until last year where he joined Williams.
The positive Covid-19 test for Lewis Hamilton at the Sakhir Grand Prix in December last year gifted Aitken his chance to prove himself in a race setting as he subbed in for Russell who was himself subbing in for Hamilton at Mercedes. The race was marked by many dramas including a near-miss at the first win for Russell. Aitken finished 16th in his Williams FW-43, however, he too was involved in some drama that race having spun into the wall and losing his wing.
Through social media, Aitken stated: “It’s a fighting spirit. […] I am fully intent on providing as much support as possible while continuing my own development.” The driver also ensured that more news and new projects with Williams will be announced shortly.
To read about Williams and their rumoured new relationship with Alpine, click here.
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