British youngster Jack Aitken has been retained by Williams as reserve driver for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

The 25-year-old joined the team last year in the role, making an appearance at the Sakhir Grand Prix when regular driver George Russell was called up by Mercedes.

He also took part in Free Practice 1 at the Red Bull Ring in Austria and undertook development work Williams’ simulator at Grove throughout the 2020 season.

“After providing me with one of the most special moments of my career to date last year, I am absolutely delighted to continue with Williams in the position of reserve driver,” Aitken said.

“In my short time at Grove I have already found many friends, and a deep desire for success as a team.

“The professionalism and work ethic of everyone here is something that makes me wear my kit with pride, and having had a taste of racing in last year’s Sakhir Grand Prix, I am fully intent on providing as much support as possible while continuing my development as a race driver.

“I will complement this role with other programmes, to be announced shortly, which will aid me in this goal and provide opportunities to expand my skills even further.”

Team principal Simon Roberts added: “We are pleased to retain Jack for the 2021 season.

“He is a great talent and quickly became a much-liked member of the team.

“He really impressed us with his performance at the Sakhir Grand Prix last year in Bahrain, stepping up to the challenge at short notice to put in a strong performance over the course of the weekend.

“Jack is a talented individual that works incredibly hard, and we look forward to seeing him contribute to the team once again this season.”

Aitken is a four-time Formula 2 race winner and finished second in the 2017 GP3 Series (now Formula 3).

Prior to that, the British-Korean driver claimed the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0 and Formula Renault 2.0 Alps titles in 2015.