Aitken to make F1 practice return with Williams four months after Spa crash

Sam Hall
Tuesday 26 October 2021 13:30 - Updated: 13:32

Williams has confirmed Jack Aitken take part in first practice at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Almost a year after making his Formula 1 debut with Williams at the Sakhir Grand Prix, Aitken will take to the track in Abu Dhabi.

The 26-year-old was expected to take part in an FP1 session earlier this year but a heavy crash at the Spa 24 Hour GT race caused his outing to be delayed as Aitken recovered from fractured vertebra.

We're pleased to confirm that Official Reserve Driver @JaitkenRacer will run the FW43B for FP1 in Abu Dhabi! 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/54m7mwDQhk

— Williams Racing (@WilliamsRacing) October 26, 2021

Williams plans for its revere, development and junior drivers into 2022 is yet to be announced with Aitken having been in position as reserve driver for two years, two-time W Series champion Jamie Chadwick still attached to the team and Logan Sargeant recently added to its junior programme.

Confirming the news, Aitken wrote on Twitter: "Did I sneak in to check if she still fits? Maybe.

"Pumped to say I’ll be taking part in FP1 in Abu Dhabi with Williams once again, looking forward to closing this year out the right way."

Did I sneak in to check if she still fits? Maybe.

Pumped to say I’ll be taking part in FP1 in Abu Dhabi with @WilliamsRacing once again, looking forward to closing this year out the right way. 🔥 pic.twitter.com/2IoUe8Ltid

— Jack Aitken - 한세용 (@JaitkenRacer) October 26, 2021