Williams reserve Jack Aitken to replace Russell for Sakhir GP

Jack Aitken will make his Formula 1 debut to replace George Russell at Williams for this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix

Following Lewis Hamilton’s positive Covid-19 test result and Russell’s release to replace him, the British F2 driver will race alongside Nicholas Latifi for Williams at the penultimate round of the season.

The Campos F2 driver has taken part in practice and test sessions with the team before, most recently during FP1 for the Styrian Grand Prix at the start of the 2020 season.

The 25-year-old is the team’s current reserve driver, having joined the team at the start of the year.

“We are thrilled we are able to give another British talent in Jack Aitken the opportunity to make his Formula One race debut,” Williams’ acting team principal Simon Roberts said.

“Jack joined Williams at the start of this season, and despite COVID-19 restrictions meaning we haven’t been able to interact with him as much as we would like, he has quickly become a much-liked member of the team.

“We look forward to seeing him build on his previous experience driving the car in practice, to see what he can do in a qualifying and race situation.”

This season in Formula 2, Aitken has secured two podium finishes and eight other points finishes in 2020. He currently sits 14th in the championship.

“I’m absolutely over the moon to have the opportunity to make my debut with Williams this coming weekend and I am extremely happy for George to have his chance too,” Aitken said.

“I really mean it when I say I’ve felt very much at home here since I joined Williams earlier this year, so to get my chance to help the team try to achieve that elusive points finish is an extremely satisfying occasion to say the least.

“I’ll be doing all I can to prepare in the coming days, but truthfully, I feel like I have been ready since Melbourne. I also want to wish Lewis well in his recovery, and good luck to George getting the chance to drive the Mercedes this weekend.”