Williams reserve Aitken to make F2 return in Monaco

Williams reserve driver Jack Aitken will back on the Formula 2 grid this weekend, signing up for a two-round street track stint with HWA RACELAB, replacing Matteo Nannini in Monaco and Azerbaijan.

Aitken made his Formula 1 debut with Williams in the penultimate round of the 2020 season at the Sakhir Grand Prix, as a substitute for George Russell, who had been promoted to Mercedes following Lewis Hamilton’s positive Covid-19 test.

Finishing 16th on his Grand Prix debut, the 25-year-old had looked set to move on from F2, racing in GT World Challenge Europe this season, but will now return for an initial two-round spell with HWA, after being drafted in to replace Nannini.

Italian racer Nannini – who scored a podium with HWA in Race 3 of the Formula 3 opener at Barcelona - has opted to focus solely on his commitments in the third tier.

Aitken previously spent three years in F2, making the step up with ART Grand Prix in 2018, before spending two seasons with Campos Racing, scoring 11 podiums and four wins in total.

"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."