Ferrari Driver Academy member signs as Alfa Romeo reserve, FP1 outing in Portugal. Ferrari Driver Academy member signs as Alfa Romeo reserve.

Ferrari Driver Academy member Callum Ilott has been confirmed as Alfa Romeo’s second reserve driver for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

The Briton is no stranger to Alfa Romeo having tested with them in 2019, later taking part in the 2020 Abu Dhabi Young Drivers’ Test with the Swiss outfit.

Alfa Romeo’s established reserve driver Robert Kubica is also competing in the WeatherTech SportsCar Championship and European Le Mans Series this year, so in the event that he is unavailable for a Formula 1 round, Ilott will step up to the plate.

Ilott, who also serves as Ferrari’s test and reserve driver, will take part in several FP1 sessions for Alfa Romeo under this deal, the first of which will take place at the upcoming Portuguese Grand Prix.

“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 Callum 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 One 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.”

Ilott was involved in an epic battle for the 2020 Formula 2 title with Mick Schumacher.

The two Ferrari juniors battled it out all the way to the final race where Schumacher prevailed to take the championship.

Schumacher would then land a seat with Haas for 2021, while Ferrari chose to bring Ilott into the paddock in a reserve role rather than sending him back to F2.

Callum Ilott also made his first appearance in the GT World Challenge Europe Endurance Cup at Monza, putting in a solid debut showing.

“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,” said Alfa Romeo team boss Frederic Vasseur. – “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.”