Callum Ilott to drive for Alfa Romeo in Portugal practice after joining as reserve

Ferrari Driver Academy racer Callum Ilott has signed on the dotted line with Alfa Romeo to become the team’s second reserve driver, and will get a chance to drive in FP1 sessions this season starting with this Friday in Portugal.

The Briton, who is fulfilling the role of test driver for Ferrari’s F1 works team this year, has experience with Alfa Romeo, having first tested with the team in 2019 and most recently in the end of season Abu Dhabi test last year.

The 22-year-old will share reserve duties with Robert Kubica, who will be unavailable at some Grands Prix this year owing to his racing and testing commitments in other motorsport categories, the Pole having secured his first LMP2 victory in the Le Mans Series opener earlier this month.

Ilott finished runner-up in F2 last year, losing out to 2021 Haas driver Mick Schumacher, having taken the fight down to the final race in Bahrain with three victories and five podiums to his name – and will contest an undefined number of FP1 sessions throughout the season.

“I am really happy to be joining the team for this season and I’d like to thank Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN and the Ferrari Driver Academy for the trust they have put in me,” said Ilott.

“The two sessions I had with the team in the last two years have been extremely useful in getting me accustomed to the way a Formula 1 team works and I am confident I can hit the ground running in my new role as one of the reserve drivers at Alfa Romeo Racing ORLEN. I can’t wait to be in the car and help the team continue its progress.”

Alfa Romeo team boss Frederic Vasseur added: “I am delighted to welcome Callum to our team: his journey through the junior series has been an impressive one and he is without doubt one of the most talented young drivers coming through the ranks.

“He has worked with us before, each time leaving a lasting impression thanks to his work ethic and good feedback, and I have no doubt he will be a very positive addition to Robert Kubica, who will be unavailable on various occasions due to his other racing programmes.

“Callum will have a busy programme and we can’t wait to see him on track again this weekend.”