Jack Aitken to drive for Williams at the Styrian Grand Prix

The Williams F1 Team announced today that its reserve driver Jack Aitken will make his maiden appearance during a Formula One Grand Prix weekend when he gets behind the wheel of the FW43 on Friday at the Red Bull Ring.

Aitken who finished second in the GP3 series in 2017 will take over George Russell’s car in the first free practice session at this weekend’s Styrian Grand Prix. Williams announced him as its reserve driver after he joined the Williams Driver Academy alongside Formula 2 rivals Dan Ticktum and Roy Nissany. The London-born youngster was previously the test driver of the Renault F1 Team in 2018 and 2019.

Williams' head of vehicle performance Dave Robson said: "On Friday we will give Jack Aitken his first experience of the FW43 as he drives George’s car during FP1.

"Jack has been working hard with the engineers in Grove, and we are looking forward to working with him at the track as we continue with our intensive test programme."

The Anglo-Korean driver who started his third season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship last weekend wrote on social media that he cannot wait until Friday to get behind the wheel of Williams’ FW43 on Friday.

"Driving in FP1 is a pretty special occasion. I’ll definitely be driving out of the pit lane with a smile on my face,” he added.