F1 | Callum Ilott to join Alfa Romeo as reserve driver for the 2021 season
The rising star Callum Ilott joins Alfa Romeo after having raced for them and he will be their reserve driver for the current season along Kubica
Callum Ilott made it to F1. The rising star with an education in the Ferrari Drivers Academy will be Alfa Romeo ORLEN’s reserve driver, sharing his duties with Robert Kubica.
Ilott had been building up a strong career and proved his motivation, showing to the Swiss team that, despite his young age, he has what it takes to work with them. He showed up once more his potential with his finish as a runner-up in the F2 championship, conquering three wins and six podiums. Moreover, the Englishman has experience with the team, having driven twice for them. The first time was back in 2019 during testing and the second was last year, in the 2020 post-season test in Abu Dhabi.
In both his outings, Ilott conquered Alfa Romeo’s team for his consistency and strong mentality, as well as his undeniable talent. He will share his reserve driver’s commitments with the super experienced Robert Kubica, substituting him when the Pole will be taking place at other motorsport categories’ events. The 22-year-old will also drive during some FP1 sessions, the first of which will be during this week’s race in Portugal.
Alfa Romeo ORLEN’s team principal Frédéric Vasseur said: “I am delighted to welcome Callum to our team: his journey through the junior series has been an impressive one and he is without doubt one of the most talented young drivers coming through the ranks.
He has worked with us before, each time leaving a lasting impression thanks to his work ethic and good feedback, and I have no doubt he will be a very positive addition to Robert Kubica, who will be unavailable on various occasions due to his other racing programmes. Callum will have a busy programme and we can’t wait to see him on track again this weekend.”
“I am really happy to be joining the team for this season and I’d like to thank Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN and the Ferrari Driver Academy for the trust they have put in me,'' - Ilott stated. - ''The two sessions I had with the team in the last two years have been extremely useful in getting me accustomed to the way a Formula One team works and I am confident I can hit the ground running in my new role as one of the reserve drivers at Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. I can’t wait to be in the car and help the team continue its progress.”
We head to Iberia ready to put up a fight 💪
— Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN (@alfaromeoracing) April 27, 2021
2021 Portuguese Grand Prix Preview ⬇️https://t.co/ohd6FG47zf
