Jack Aitken to make FP1 debut with Williams ahead of Styrian Grand Prix

Williams’ reserve driver Jack Aitken is set to make his maiden Free Practice 1 appearance, when he’s let loose in the team’s FW43 ahead of the Styrian Grand Prix at the Red Bull Ring this weekend – the second of two back-to-back races being held at the track.

F2 racer Aitken will take over George Russell’s car for the session, having joined Williams from the Renault Sport Academy at the start of 2020.

“Driving in FP1 is a pretty special occasion,” said Aitken, who will also compete with Campos Racing in Formula 2 on the same weekend. “I’ll definitely be driving out of the pit lane with a smile on my face.”

WATCH: George Russell says Styrian Grand Prix an opportunity to improve

Speaking ahead of the Styrian Grand Prix, 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.”

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

Meanwhile, Russell will be keen to get his hands back on the FW43, having retired from Sunday’s Austrian Grand Prix, revealing after the race that he hadn’t had “as much pace as we’d been hoping for”.