Aitken to make FP1 debut for Williams in Round 2

Jack Aitken’s career will take a historic steep in Round 2, when the Campos driver debuts in Formula 1 Free Practice on Friday morning, replacing George Russell in the Williams FW43.

Aitken only joined Williams at the beginning of February, following his departure from Renault, where he had risen through their academy to become reserve driver.

His unveiling at Williams confirmed the inclusion of at least one FP1 session through the year, but it will have come sooner into the season than the British driver anticipated. Aitken will join his former F2 rival, Nicholas Latifi, in FP1.

“Driving in FP1 is a pretty special occasion for any driver,” Aitken elated. “Even though I’ve driven F1 cars before. I think I’ll definitely be driving out of pitlane with a smile on my face in the Williams FW43 though!

“After that, it’ll be just making sure I do the job as well as possible, helped a bit by all of us having been here for a weekend already. Just fingers crossed that the weather holds now!”

Aitken tested Renault’s F1 cars three times during his time with the team’s academy, but never drove during FP1.

FP1 will take place at 11am and finish at 12.30, giving Aitken just 25 minutes to swap the FW43 for his Campos machine in time for F2 Free Practice, at 12.55.