HWA RACELAB have announced that Jack Aitken will replace Matteo Nannini for Rounds 2 and 3 in Monaco and Baku, with the Italian racer opting to focus exclusively on his Formula 3 commitments.

The experienced British racer is a member of the Williams Driver Academy and has three years of experience in Formula 2, making the step up with ART Grand Prix in 2018, before spending two years with Campos Racing.

Taking 11 podiums, including four wins, during that time, Aitken went on to make his Formula 1 debut with Williams in the penultimate round of the season in the Sakhir Grand Prix as a substitute for George Russell.

"I was surprised but also very honoured that HWA asked me to support the team in Monaco and Baku," said Aitken. "They are two of my favourite circuits and it is going to be a real pleasure!

"I know HWA from races in the past, in which we have competed against each other. I have always been aware of their high standard. I am looking forward to returning to Formula 2 and working with HWA, in order to get the absolute maximum out of the two weekends."

Aitken made his F1 debut with Williams at the Sakhir Grand Prix last season
Aitken made his F1 debut with Williams at the Sakhir Grand Prix last season

Aitken, who will partner Alessio Deledda, has spent the current campaign racing in GT World Challenge Europe.

The 25-year-old will replace Nannini, who has opted to focus on his campaign in Formula 3 with the German outfit. The Italian scored a podium in Race 3 of the opening round in Barcelona.

Team principal Thomas Strick added: "We are delighted to have acquired such a talented driver as Jack. With his wealth of experience in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, he is sure to be a great help to us. In the case of Matteo, we will be focussing on the FIA Formula 3 Championship for the rest of the season. He has already shown his potential in that series at the start of the season.

"We now want to develop that potential and offer Matteo the best possible support on the rest of his career path. It is now important for him to continuously develop with regular successes. We feel this is the right step to sustainably develop and support him in the current phase of his promising career."