F2 driver Jack Aitken and Renault part ways

British-Korean Formula 2 driver Jack Aitken has announced that he will no longer be a part of the Renault Academy, ending a relationship that began in 2016.

Joining the Formula One paddock in GP3 in 2016, following on from claiming the Formula Renault Eurocup the previous year, Aitken quickly established himself as one of the front-runners. Ending 2016 fifth in the standings with Arden, Aitken then raced as teammate to champion George Russell at ART, finishing second.

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Today, I announce my departure from @RenaultF1Team. It’s not a decision I took lightly, not at all. There are so many memories, and indeed people, at Enstone that will forever be highlights of my life. When I joined 4 years ago, I was completely overwhelmed trying to remember 600+ faces and failing spectacularly at not being the excited new kid! But what welcomed me was not only a top-tier team who taught me a huge amount about going racing, but a stellar bunch of guys and gals. It was impossible to leave the factory without a smile or laugh in the day somewhere. I’ve lost count of the days spent in the gym grafting (#humblebrag) with fellow Academy members and Dave, times I’ve popped into Joe’s sticker room for some casual insults and cake, the number of weird and wonderful graphs shown to me by the engineers in a spare moment, the inability to walk through the race bays without staring at the cars or stopping by to get ripped by the spare car team (looking at you Connor and Ben ??). Renault was also the place where I stepped into F1 machinery, old and contemporary, for the very first time. After my first lap at Jerez, I could only say one thing; “F**k me that’s a lot of fun!” At least it made people laugh. I’ll forever be grateful for the faith shown in letting me loose in those machines. I can’t do this without saying thank you to the man himself, Cyril, and Mia for guiding me these last 4 years. I wish those at the Academy and Renault all the best in the future. I’ve probably rambled enough now, so in short... Thank you Enstone, I’m going to miss every single one of you. And that hospitality food too. ? Onto the next chapter, and a fresh start.✌?

A post shared by Jack Aitken - 한세용 (@jaitkenracer) on Feb 3, 2020 at 2:01am PST

Both Russell and Aitken proressed to F2 with ART and, while Russell took the title and subsequently joined Williams in F1, Aitken could only manage P11 in the standings with just a single win to his name.

For 2019, Aitken joined the less fancied Campos team. His experience of the category shone through however, and Aitken was able to exceed expectations by taking fifth in the championship along with three wins.

"I would like to express my thanks to Renault and the Academy for helping me reach a position where I can now take a very exciting next step in my career which will keep me on course to fulfill my ambition of reaching the very top of motorsport," said Aitken via a press release.

"I wish the Renault F1 Team and its drivers every success for the future.

"I am not yet in a position to announce my plans for the forthcoming season but stay tuned to my social media channels for all the latest news which should be made public very soon."

Today, I announce my departure from @RenaultF1Team. 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. ✌? pic.twitter.com/vYkDpZfY71

— Jack Aitken - 한세용 (@JaitkenRacer) February 3, 2020

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