Williams Racing has confirmed Dan Ticktum will remain in his role as development driver with the team in 2021.

The 21-year-old joined the Grove-based outfit last year, where he took on a busy simulator programme.

That role will be expanded for the coming season, with a greater presence both trackside and at the team’s base.

Ticktum will dovetail those commitments with his role in Formula 2, which last year saw him score one victory and three additional podiums.

“I am very happy to be continuing my partnership with Williams as Development Driver,” said the Brit.

“It will be fun to get more time trackside this year as last year was quite difficult, so it will be nice to get more involved with the team at the track.

“I am looking forward to continuing my support in the sim, and I am very focused for this year.

“I still have a lot of work to do as my season hasn’t started but I am privileged and very happy as always to be representing Williams.”

Simon Roberts, Team Principal of Williams Racing added: “It’s great to be continuing our working with Dan in his role as Development Driver for Williams Racing.

“He is a very exciting young driver with plenty of talent, which is evidenced by his back-to-back successes in Macau along with his impressive rookie season in F2 last year.

“We got to see first-hand his skills in the simulator and Dan played an important role in helping with car development, along with becoming a well-respected member of the team.

“We look forward to watching him grow and develop in 2021.”