Breaking: Jack Aitken to become reserve driver of Williams F1

Just one day after leaving Renault, Jack Aitken has another job lined up. The 24-year-old has jumped ships and signed as Williams' reserve driver for the 2020 Formula 1 season. 

Born in Britain, Aitken has come through the ranks and made an impressive statement during last season's Formula 2 championship. Driving for Campos, he picked up three race wins and a further four podiums to leave him fifth in the driver standings at the season end. 

Williams confirmed Aitken will attend all Formula 1 races across the 2020 calendar and will be prepared should either George Russell or Nicholas Latifi be unable to compete. The team also confirmed that he will be taking part in a Friday FP1 session at some point. 

Oh, you guys been waiting? My bad. 2020 @WilliamsRacing F1 Reserve Driver. I’m hugely excited, because they want to be back to their very best, have some stellar people making it happen, and I’m going to be doing all I can to contribute as well. Let’s go. #YOTUS pic.twitter.com/jOkVzYipid

— Jack Aitken - 한세용 (@JaitkenRacer) February 4, 2020

A great honour

The Williams cars have been parked at the back of the Formula grid for two years now. Last season, the team only scored one point and that came with the help of a double Alfa Romeo disqualification in a chaotic wet race. Despite this, the Williams history will always be remembered and Aitken is proud to become part of such a historic team. 

“It is a great honour to join ROKiT Williams Racing as their Reserve Driver for the 2020 season. Williams is a team with strong heritage, and continued longevity, and I’m looking forward to directly contributing to their development through my simulator and testing work," Aitken said. 

Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal is confident that Aitken will be competing at the top of Formula 1 later in his career. 

“It is obvious from what Jack has achieved so far he is a young driver with a great career ahead of him and we believe he has the right credentials to reach the top in the sport. Jack has proved his ability in FIA Formula 2 and GP3 and we look forward to seeing what he can achieve as the team’s Official Reserve Driver," she said.