Formula 2 driver Jack Aitken has left Renault and joined Williams as reserve driver for 2020.
On Monday, the Briton-Korean announced his departure from the French manufacturer, where he’d been affiliated with since 2016 and risen to the position of third driver in 2019.
Aitken’s status had been unknown after his name was not mentioned as part of Renault’s young driver program for 2020 last week.
“Today, I announce my departure from Renault F1 Team,” he wrote on his social channel. “I can only say how much I’ll miss every single one of you guys, and moments at Enstone will forever by highlights of my life.
“Thank you for all you’ve done for me, and wish you the best. Onto a new chapter, and a fresh start.”
Only a day later, however, that fresh start was revealed when Williams confirmed Aitken as the official back up for either George Russell and Nicholas Latifi if required.
“It is a great honour to join ROKiT Williams Racing as their Reserve Driver for the 2020 season,” he said.
“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.”
His appointment comes after Roy Nissany and Dan Ticktum and Dan Ticktum also joined the Grove-based squad as development drivers, with Nissany joining Aitken in also being given Friday practice outings as part of their duties.
“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,” deputy boss Claire Williams said.
“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.”
It also appears Aitken will be focusing solely on his third driver role as, unlike Nissany and Ticktum, no F2 seat was confirmed for 2020.
