F2 runner-up Callum Ilott named Ferrari test driver for 2021

Formula 2 runner-up and Ferrari Driver Academy racer Callum Ilott will be Ferrari's test driver in 2021, the team announced on Tuesday.

The 22-year-old, who finished eighth quickest for Alfa Romeo in the end-of-season test at Yas Marina this week, missed out on the Formula 2 championship with 2021 Haas driver Mick Schumacher taking the crown. He finished 2020 with three F2 victories and five podiums to his name as he took the title fight down to the final race in Bahrain.

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"I am very pleased to be joining Scuderia Ferrari as its test driver from next year," he said after the test.

"I look forward to contributing to the work the team does on and off track, and to all of the new things I can learn by taking on this exciting new challenge. I will give my all to do a good job and gain as much experience as possible to continue making progress as a driver.

"I would like to thank the Ferrari Driver Academy and Scuderia Ferrari for this great opportunity and their support. It has been an honour to be part of their programme for the past three years and I am pleased to continue our journey together."

Ilott was linked to seats at Haas and Alfa Romeo before the teams confirmed their respective line-ups for 2021.

The Briton was scheduled to take part in FP1 at the Nurburgring but missed out due to heavy fog.

He has previously tested 2018-spec Ferrari machinery at Fiorano – but 2021 will see him take on even more responsibility with the Scuderia as he helps support race drivers Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz.