Jordan's Track Talk

Tag: Reserve Driver

  • Aston Martin confirm Crawford as third driver

    Aston Martin have confirmed that Formula 2 Championship hopeful Jak Crawford will become their third driver for the 2026 Formula 1 season.

    Crawford has been a member of the team’s Young Driver Development Programme since 2024, accumulating over 2000km in Formula 1 machinery since then.

    The 20 year old took part in the end-of-season test in Abu Dhabi last year and made his Grand Prix weekend debut in Mexico City just a few weeks ago.

    Crawford is in the midst of a tightly fought Formula 2 title battle, sitting second in the Drivers’ Championship on 169 points – just 19 points behind leader, Leonardo Fornaroli heading into the final two rounds of the season in Qatar and Abu Dhabi.

    The young American is now set to take up a full-time Formula 1 role with Aston Martin, and expressed how delighted he was to be given the opportunity.

    I’m incredibly proud to be confirmed as the Third Driver for 2026. It’s a huge moment in my journey with Aston Martin Aramco and a big motivation to keep learning and contributing. Over the past two seasons, I’ve learned so much from being in the Formula 1 environment, both at the factory and trackside. I’ll be doing everything I can to support the team and continue developing as a driver.
    Crawford on the news.

    It is great to see Jak progress to become our Third Driver for 2026. Over the past two years, he has shown his value as a key member of our driver squad and built up a valuable bank of experience and test mileage. Jak has impressed in the simulator, having completed regular sessions at the AMR Technology Campus to support our race operations and car development. Jak’s performances in Formula 2 have also been outstanding, and we are excited to continue supporting his growth as he takes on a bigger role.
    Andy Cowell, Aston Martin Team Principal.

  • Jaguar TCS Racing confirm reserve roles

    Jaguar TCS Racing has today announced Stoffel Vandoorne will join the team as Reserve Driver for Season 12, alongside long-serving simulator and reserve driver Tom Dillmann.

    Vandoorne, the 2022 ABB FIA Formula E Drivers’ World Champion, joins the team after a year at Maserati MSG Racing.

    With more than 100 Formula E race starts to his name, the Belgian brings a wealth of experience and momentum from an impressive 2024/25 season – capped by his performance in Tokyo that lead Maserati to its sole victory in the GEN3 Evo era.

    His Formula E journey spans seven seasons and includes a standout rookie year with HWA Racelab, a three year tenure at Mercedes-EQ Formula E team, where he secured the Drivers’ world title and two seasons with DS PENSKE before his move to Maserati.

    He joins Tom Dillmann, Jaguar TCS Racing’s long-serving simulator and reserve driver, who enters his sixth year with the team. Together, Vandoorne and Dillmann will play a pivotal role in shaping the team’s technical development – contributing both on track and behind the scenes as they help develop a competitive GEN4 contender for the 2026/27 season.

    I’m thrilled to be joining Jaguar TCS Racing as reserve driver for the upcoming season. It’s a team I’ve long admired for its performance and professionalism, and I’m excited to contribute to their continued success. I’m looking forward to supporting the team both on and off the track and helping push the Jaguar I-TYPE 7 to its full potential.
    Vandoorne on the news.

    It’s a real pleasure to be continuing with Jaguar TCS Racing for my sixth season. Over the years, I’ve seen the team grow into a true championship contender, and I’m proud to have played a part in that journey. There’s a great energy heading into this season, and I’m looking forward to what we can achieve together.
    Dillman on the news.

    We’re proud to welcome Stoffel Vandoorne to Jaguar TCS Racing as our reserve driver for the upcoming season. Stoffel’s credentials speak for themselves – a former Drivers’ World Champion with over 100 race starts and a wealth of experience across seven seasons. We’re also glad to retain Tom Dillmann, who has been a hugely valuable member of Jaguar TCS Racing for the past six years. His dedication and technical expertise have played a key role in our development, and we’re grateful for his continued support as we prepare for Formula E’s most exciting era of racing yet.
    Ian James, Jaguar TCS Racing Team Principal.

  • Askew rejoins Andretti as reserve

    Oliver Askew has rejoined the Andretti Formula E team, reuniting with the team with which he contested his sole season in the electric open-wheel category in 2021-22.

    The American will serve as an additional reserve driver for the team alongside compatriot Jak Crawford, stepping in when Crawford – who is competing in Formula 2 this year – is unavailable.

    Askew contested the final season of Formula E’s GEN2 ruleset for Andretti, finishing in the points three times. Including on his debut in Diriyah, and later taking a best result of fourth in the first race of that season’s London E-Prix.

    Askew’s first race trackside was the Miami E-Prix on April 12th, when Crawford was in Bahrain.

    Prior to that, Askew took the 2019 Indy Lights title with Andretti, winning seven times – including four times on the bounce in the second half of the season.
    He went on to graduate to the IndyCar series with Arrow McLaren SP the following year.

    As well as being on-hand to step in the absence of the team’s race drivers Jake Dennis and Nico Mueller, as well as Crawford, Askew will contribute to the development of Andretti’s Porsche 99X Electric by working in the team’s simulator to test software updates and refine car setups.

    I’m thrilled to reunite with this talented team, especially since so many familiar faces from Season 8 are still onboard. I can’t wait to dive in and support the team in fine-tuning the car on the simulator as we push through the rest of the season together.
    Askew on the news.

    While Jak remains our primary reserve and development driver, due to overlapping calendars with Formula E and Formula 2, it’s an advantage for us to have the ability to bring in an additional reserve driver – particularly someone of Oliver’s caliber – in such a demanding championship. Oliver’s prior experience with our team and knowledgeable understanding of the series make him an excellent fit, and we’re confident he will provide valuable input behind the scenes.
    Roger Griffiths, Team Principal.

  • Alpine reserve leaves for Haas

    Ryo Hirakawa has left Alpine to become a Formula 1 reserve driver for Haas immediately after impressing for Alpine in the Japanese Grand Prix Practice at Suzuka.

    Having been a Toyota affiliated driver throughout his career and won two World Endurance Championship titles and a Le Mans 24 Hours with the firm.
    The 31 year old Japanese driver, seemed a good fit for Haas given its new relationship with Toyota and he had already driver for – and impressed – the team in Abu Dhabi post season testing last year.

    But in early January Hirakawa was a surprise announcement as another Alpine reserve driver, joining Franco Colapinto and Paul Aron in the team’s pool.

    It was stated he would carry out simulator work and Testing of Previous Car (TPC) running, as well as driving for the team in Suzuka opening practice.

    Hirakawa’s other practice outings for Haas this season will take place in Spain, Mexico and Abu Dhabi,

    It’s great to welcome Ryō to MoneyGram Haas F1 Team and have his experience bolster our knowledge and understanding of the VF-25. His feedback was very detailed at the post-season test last year, so being able to provide Ryo valuable track time across four different circuits this year will help the entire team. As part of our collaboration with Toyota Gazoo Racing, it’s great to welcome new talent into the team – it’s a real pleasure to work with a racer of his driving acumen.
    Haas team principal, Ayao Komatsu.

  • Zhou returns to Ferrari as reserve driver

    Ferrari have announced the return of Zhou Guanyu as a reserve driver for the 2025 season, adding to the team’s back-up pool alongside incumbent Antonio Giovinazzi.

    It officially ends the speculation over the Chinese racer’s immediate future, following Kick Sauber’s decision to overhaul their driver line-up and part ways with both Zhou and teammate Valtteri Bottas.

    Zhou spent four years as part of the Scuderia Ferrari Driver Academy from 2015 to 2018, rising through the Formula 4 and Formula 3 single-seater ranks with the Maranello-based operation.

    He progressed to Formula 2 after leaving the academy, and having won multiple races, secured promotion to Formula 1 with Sauber’s team then backed by Alfa Romeo for the 2022 season.

    He remained there through the 2024 campaign, when the team transitioned to their Kick Sauber guise, reaching 68 Grand Prix starts and topping up his points tally to 16 before leaving the grid.

    Zhou will provide support to Ferrari’s full time drivers in his new role, with the famous marque this year fielding a revised lineup as seven time World Champion Lewis Hamilton joins Charles Leclerc.

  • Alpine confirm Colapinto as reserve driver

    Franco Colapinto will join Alpine as one of their reserve drivers in 2025, it has been announced with the Argentinian racer further bolstering the team’s back-up pool for the season ahead.

    Colapinto burst on the F1 scene last year when Williams drafted him in to replace Logan Sargeant who was struggling for form in his second season – from the Italian Grand Prix weekend.

    Stopping his first full term in F2, which had yielded a breakthrough victory, the 21 year old immediately looked at home behind the wheel of F1 machinery, reaching Q3 and scoring points at only his second race weekend in Azerbaijan.

    Colapinto bagged another point at the United States Grand Prix and while subsequent incidents took the shine off his arrival, he had turned heads in the paddock and drew plenty of praise from Team Principal, James Vowles.

    Colapinto’s initial performances saw him linked with several rival teams over a potential 2025 race seat, but none of these ultimately materialised, while Williams had already signed Carlos Sainz to partner Alex Albon.

    Now following plenty of media reports, the next chapter of a rollercoaster F1 journey so far will see Colapinto to join Alpine’s reserve roster.

    I am super excited to have the opportunity to join BWT Alpine Formula One Team. First of all, I want to say thank you to Williams for all their support from the moment I joined the Academy until the last race in Abu Dhabi. They turned my dream of racing in Formula One into reality, and I will always be grateful for that. Now, it is time for a new chapter, and to take on this challenge with BWT Alpine Formula One Team is truly an honour. A huge thank you to Luca [de Meo], Flavio [Briatore] and Oliver [Oakes] for believing in me and welcoming me into the team with open arms. I cannot wait to get started and see where this journey takes us. Also, a massive thank you to all my sponsors and partners who stood by me through the challenges of the 2024 season. Your support made it all possible, and to my incredible fans in Argentina: ‘Muchas gracias!’ Your passion and encouragement mean the world to me. Let’s aim for even greater things in 2025 and beyond.
    Colapinto on the news.

    We are very pleased to come to an agreement with Williams Racing to sign Franco Colapinto. Clearly, Franco is among the best young talents in motorsport right now. It is fair to say his appearance on the Formula One grid last year caught many, me included, by surprise and his performances have been very impressive for a rookie driver. We have an eye on our future and his signing means we have a great pool of young drivers to call upon and work with in developing the team for future success.
    Flavio Briatore, Executive Advisor at Alpine.

  • Bottas re-joins Mercedes as reserve

    Mercedes have announced that Valtteri Bottas will return to the team as a reserve driver for the 2025 season, after the Finn and Kick Sauber parted company following the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

    Bottas drove for Mercedes for five seasons alongside Lewis Hamilton from 2017 – 2021, securing all 10 of his career wins with the Silver Arrows, as well as his 20 pole positions in Formula 1.

    He would then join Sauber, known as Alfa Romeo at the time for the 2022 season after Mercedes chose to promote George Russell in his place, the Finn enduring mixed fortunes with the Swiss team ranging from a strong 10th in 2022 to failing to score at all in 2024.

    When Kick Sauber opted not to re-sign Bottas for 2025 – instead choosing a new combination of Nico Hulkenberg and Brazilian rookie Gabriel Bortoleto – the Finn began talks with Mercedes about a reserve role in a bid to stay in the conversation as he pursues a racing return next season.

    His reserve role will involve him attending most, if not all, the Grand Prix and supporting George Russell and debutant Kimi Antonelli.

    Returning home to the Mercedes family as third driver for 2025 is what’s next and I couldn’t be more pleased. I want to thank Toto [Wolff, Mercedes team boss], the team at Brackley, and everyone at the three-pointed star for welcoming me back with open arms.Despite the challenges of the past few years, I know that I’ve still got so much more to contribute to F1. Since I was a five-year-old kid growing up in Nastola, Finland, my focus has been on achieving success in the top tier of motorsport. I’ve been fortunate to have enjoyed many incredible moments in my 12 years of racing in F1 so far. As I return to the place where so many of those moments were achieved, I’m looking forward to using all the knowledge I’ve gained to help the team to perform and progress towards our goal of fighting for world championships.
    Bottas on the news.

    Welcome home, Valtteri! It’s great to have you back. His impact and contribution in the five years he was with us previously as our race driver was immense. Along with scoring multiple Grands Prix wins, he played a vital role in five of our championship victories. His technical feedback and input were important in helping us to those successes and pushing the team forward. Not only that, but he was also a fantastic colleague and team member. His dry sense of humour and personable nature made him a firm favourite with everyone at Brackley and Brixworth. In his role as Reserve Driver, all those qualities will be incredibly important in helping us compete for world championships and supporting both George and Kimi on track.
    Toto Wolff on the news.

  • Aron joins Alpine as reserve driver

    Alpine have confirmed that Formula 2 racer Paul Aron will join the squad as their 2025 F1 reserve driver.

    The 20 year old has just competed in his first F2 Championship with Hitech Pulse-Eight and finished the season in third where he grabbed the second-best rookie.

    He added a dominant pole in Qatar and the feature race win as well but unfortunately it was not enough to grab the Drivers’ Championship.

    Aron is a driver Alpine’s Team Principal, Oliver Oakes knows well, with the British boss having previously been in charge of Hitech before he joined the Enstone outfit in August this year.

    It’s incredibly special to be joining BWT Alpine Formula One Team. It is clear that this is a great place to be for any young driver and I’m really pleased that Flavio [Briatore] and Oliver [Oakes] have given me this opportunity. Before 2025 and the hard work that will come with being the team’s Reserve Driver, I have a Championship to focus on for the remainder of this year and I will be giving it my all to compete for the title. I’m looking forward to really beginning the work and continuing my career pathway in motorsport.
    Aron on the announcement.

    We are very pleased to have Paul join BWT Alpine Formula One Team as our 2025 Reserve Driver. There is a generational shift in Formula 1 at the moment, as we see with many young drivers coming into the sport and making an impact. We believe Paul is one of the best talents and we look forward to developing him into an F1 driver.
    Flavio Briatore, Alpine Executive Advisor.

  • Schumacher to leave Mercedes as reserve driver at end of 2024.

    Mercedes have confirmed that Mick Schumacher will leave his role as the squad’s reserve driver at he end of 2024 following two years with the team.

    Schumacher joined the Brackley team ahead of the 2023 season – off the back of a two-season stint on the grid with Haas – and has since gone on to perform simulator work for the Silver Arrows as well as providing feedback during tests and races.

    Alongside this position, Schumacher has also competed for Alpine in the World Endurance Championship (WEC) and now looks set to pursue new opportunities in 2025 following news of his exit from Mercedes.
    With Alpine also confirming the German driver will again be one of their six drivers for the 2025 campaign.

    Mick’s hard work, diligence, and determination in his role as Reserve Driver has been vital for the team over the past two years. From his work in the simulator, testing of various cars, and being part of the trackside team, we couldn’t have asked for any more from him. From day one, he fitted into the team with ease and has become an incredibly well-liked colleague for everyone at Brackley and Brixworth. However, Mick is first and foremost a racing driver. We have seen from both his time in F1, and this year with his performances in the World Endurance Championship, that he is a racer of an incredibly high calibre and one that deserves to be competing in the very best championships. As he moves on to his next challenge, I would like to thank Mick personally for his contribution to our team and we all wish him the very best in his future endeavours.
    Wolff on the news.

    I am grateful to Toto and the entire Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team for the insight I have gained over these two years. They have undoubtedly made me a more experienced racing driver because I have got to know the engineering side better. But watching these cars race and not sitting in the cockpit myself is tough. I want to get back to focusing 100% on racing. I want to be fully committed to the sporting side of motorsport. Ultimately, it is racing that you want to do as a driver, it is racing that gives you that feeling you love.
    Schumacher on leaving the team.

  • Doohan promoted to F1 with Alpine

    Alpine have announced that current reserve driver, Jack Doohan, will complete their line-up for the 2025 season – who is replacing Esteban Ocon as Pierre Gasly’s team mate.

    Australian racer Doohan, 21, has been part of Alpine’s dedicated academy since 2022, moving over to the operation after parting ways with the Red Bull junior set-up.

    Son of former 500cc motorcycle world champion, Mick, he placed third in last year’s F2 championship with three race wins, adding to a runner-up classification in the 2021 F3 standings.

    Doohan has been linked to a potential promotion with Alpine throughout the 2024 season, with those rumours stepping up a gear in the wake of the news that Ocon is moving to Haas.

    The Australian has racked up plenty of mileage in F1 machinery with Alpine over the last couple of years to prepare for an opening, completing a host of private tests and appearing in six FP1 sessions to date – Mexico and Abu Dhabi in 2022 and 2023, and Canada and Britain earlier this year.

    Alpine added that Doohan will continue his role as reserve driver for the remaining of the season, taking part in regular tests with the 2022-spec A522 F1 car, as well as duties in the team’s simulator on select race weekends.

    I am so happy to secure promotion into a full-time race seat in 2025 with BWT Alpine F1 Team. I am very grateful for the trust and belief by the team’s senior management. There is so much work ahead to be prepared and ready and I will give my best in the meantime to absorb as much information and knowledge to be ready for the step up. It’s exceptionally satisfying to be the first graduate of the Alpine Academy to be in a race seat with the team and I’m extremely thankful to those who supported me along the way to make this a reality. It’s an exciting moment, a proud day for my family, and I look forward to taking it all in and pushing hard behind the scenes.
    Doohan on the news.

    We are very excited to promote Jack into the race seat from next season and, in doing so, giving him the opportunity to showcase his skill and talent in Formula 1. Jack will become the first driver to graduate from the Alpine Academy into a race driver position with the team, so that is exceptionally pleasing for the team and its young driver pathway. Personally, I have worked with Jack back in 2019 and I am fully aware of his raw talent and potential. He is a very hard worker behind the scenes and his commitment is hugely valued by the entire team. Alongside Pierre, we have a well-balanced driver line-up with a good combination between youthful energy, experience, and pure speed. We look forward to working with both Jack and Pierre in order to keep developing the car and bring the team up the grid.
    Oliver Oakes, Alpine’s Team Principal.

  • Shwartzman in for FP1 at the Dutch GP

    Kick Sauber have confirmed that Robert Shwartzman will get behind the wheel of Valtteri Bottas’ car to participate in Free Practice 1 at the Dutch Grand Prix.

    Shwartzman – who acts as a reserve driver for Ferrari – is set to jump in the C44 when the second half of the 2024 season kicks off at Zandvoort on August 23rd.

    This isn’t Shwartzman’s first FP1 appearance, with the 24 year old previously taking part in sessions for Ferrari during the 2022 and 2023 seasons.

    After winning the Formula 3 championship with PREMA Racing in 2019, Shwartzman went on to drive for the squad in Formula 2 from 2020 to 2021, finishing in fourth and second place of the drivers’ standings respectively.

    Since then the Russo-Israeli driver has competed in sports cars as well as racing in the World Endurance Championship with Ferrari.

    Under Formula 1’s current regulations, each team must run a rookie in two FP1 sessions each campaign, and Shwartzman’s appearance will mark Kick Sauber’s first young driver outing of 2024.

    After announcing the news, Kick Sauber stated: “As in previous occasions, we work in partnership with Scuderia Ferrari to give young talent an opportunity in practice sessions. Good Luck, Robert!”

  • NEOM McLaren confirm Barnard for Berlin

    Sam Bird will sit out this weekends Berlin E-Prix double header, as he recovers from surgery on his hand.

    NEOM McLaren have confirmed that 19 year old Taylor Barnard will be continuing his duties as Reserve Driver, covering for an injured Sam Bird.

    Barnard was drafted in after Sam Bird broke his hand in an accident during Monaco in FP1, when his car locked up and went down an escape road near Sainte Devote.
    Despite his best efforts to rescue the car, Bird hit the barrier and failed to let go of the steering wheel which then led to the injury.

    Bird has now undergone a successful surgery on his left hand, with the team supporting Sam and his recovery to ensure he can compete again as quickly as achievable.

    During his Formula E debut, Barnard managed to finish the Monaco E-Prix in 14th after he started at the back of the pack.

    We’re very pleased to report positive progress on Sam’s recovery, with a successful operation on his hand supporting his journey back into the car. Taylor did a stellar job in his last-minute call-up in Monaco, as did the team, who provided him with great support and guidance throughout. He will now be able to build on that experience, while Sam works on his recovery – with the team’s full support. We’re looking forward to having Sam back in the car soon.
    Ian James, Team Principal.

  • Haas confirm reserve drivers for 2024

    Pietro Fittipaldi and Oliver Bearman have been named as Haas’s reserve drivers for the upcoming F1 season, providing back-up to regular racers Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen.

    Brazilian-American driver Fittipaldi, grandson of two-time world champion Emerson, has represented Haas since 2018, initially carrying out test duties before stepping up to reserve.

    He also has two F1 starts to his name with the US-led operation, having replaced Romain Grosjean at the 2020 Sakhir and Abu Dhabi Grand Prix following the Frenchman’s crash in Bahrain.

    A former Formula Renault, MRF Challenge and World Series Formula V8 3.5 champion, the 27 year old is preparing to embark on a full campaign in the IndyCar series in 2024, racing for Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing.

    Bearman meanwhile, is back by Haas’s power unit partner, Ferrari where he will hold similar reserve duties for 2024 after impressing in his rookie F2 season.

    The Brit who also took part in FP1 with Haas in Mexico and Abu Dhabi last season, was back in action for Ferrari earlier this week when he took to the Circuit de Barcelona-Catalunya aboard the 2022 specification F1-75 as part of a Pirelli tyre test.

    I’m happy and proud to be going into my sixth season with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team. I’m looking forward to continuing our work in development and supporting the team in the best way I can throughout the 2024 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.

    Fittipaldi on the news.

    I’m really happy to be part of MoneyGram Haas F1 Team for the upcoming season. I had a great experience last year working with everyone at the team and I’m looking forward to building on that this year. There are several events I’ll be doing FP1s at – alongside the reserve duties, which is exciting. I’m grateful to Haas F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari for their faith and for supporting me.

    Bearman on the news.

    Oliver did a tremendous job for us last season settling in well and working through both his FP1 run programs in Mexico and Abu Dhabi and then with his test program. We’re looking forward to giving him the opportunity for more outings in FP1 in 2024 – with testing at a premium this is key running time, both for us to evaluate Oliver’s progress but also to enable him seat time in a Formula 1 car. Having Pietro with us for a sixth season is valuable as he again provides continuity and he’s been a great contributor to our program over the years – both on and off-track. We’re excited he’s landed a full-time IndyCar ride this season, so he can do what he loves to do – and that’s to race, but he’s there for us too as part of the Haas family.

    Ayao Komatsu, Team Principal.

  • Sauber announce new F1 reserve driver

    Sauber has expanded their roster of young drivers for 2024 after revealing that Formula 2 racer, Zane Maloney is joining the team’s development programme.

    A former British Formula 4 champion, and FIA Formula 3 runner-up, Maloney makes the move to the Swiss operation after leaving Red Bull’s own junior team, having placed 10th in last year’s F2 standings with four podiums to his name.

    In addition to bolstering Sauber’s talent pool, the 20 year old Barbadian racer will take on the role of reserve driver for the F1 team at several Grands Prix during the upcoming season, where he will share duties with fellow Sauber Academy member and reigning F2 champion Theo Pourchaire.

    Maloney will continue in F2 for a second season this year, sticking with the Rodin Motorsport team which is now supported by the Sauber Academy.

    I am honoured to join the Sauber Academy, and to take on the role of one of [Sauber’s] reserve drivers. The Sauber name resonates with Formula 1, as it has been part of the sport for over 30 years, paving the way for so many drivers who went on to achieve great success. I am pleased to become part of this family, and I am looking forward to working together this season, as I move closer to my goal of becoming a Formula 1 driver.

    Maloney on the news.

    We are delighted to welcome Zane as the latest addition to the Sauber Academy. His path through the junior series has been remarkable so far and, with his speed and potential, he surely makes a great addition to our talented roster. On behalf of the whole team, I give him my warmest welcome onboard, and look forward to working together and achieving great success.

    Beat Zehnder, Sauber Academy Director.

  • Ferrari name new reserve & development drivers for 2024

    Ferrari have announced that Oliver Bearman and Arthur Leclerc will step up to respective reserve and development driver roles for the 2024 season, providing extra support to the iconic F1 team.

    Bearman will share the reserve role with former F1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi and Robert Shwartzman ready to step in should either Leclerc or Sainz be unable to race.

    Arthur Leclerc, meanwhile joins Antonio Fuoco and Davide Rigon in the development driver ranks, which includes working in the simulator, car development, set up works and any updates throughout the season.

    After an impressive rookie season that saw him take four race wins, six podium finishes and placed sixth in the championship standings, British driver Bearman will stay in F2 for a sophomore campaign with Prema Racing this year.

    As for Leclerc, brother of Charles, the Monegasque will move from the single-seater category to the Italian GT Championship, having recently left the Ferrari Driver Academy but stayed within the manufacturer’s overall set-up.

  • NEOM McLaren announce Barnard as Reserve

    NEOM McLaren has confirmed Taylor Barnard will be its Reserve and Development driver through Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    In his new role, Barnard will work directly with the team in Bicester and Woking, contributing to the team’s development, while growing his knowledge and experience within the series.

    The 19 year old got his first taste of Formula E in October 2023, having driven for the team as a rookie driver during the Valencia pre-season test.

    Barnard from Norwich, England, first entered single seater racing in 2020. Since then, he has become the 2022 ADAC Formula 4 runner up, as well as the 2023 Formula Regional Middle East Championship runner-up.

    In 2023, during his debut season in FIA Formula 3, he took his maiden victory in the championship at Spa-Francorchamps.

    I’m super excited and honoured to be joining the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team as a Reserve and Development Driver. Having an opportunity to work with a team such as NEOM McLaren is a great opportunity for my future and I will be working as hard as I can to support the team and working hard to learn as much as possible!

    Barnard on the news.

    I am delighted to officially welcome Taylor to the team, after giving him his first taste of electric racing in Valencia last October. He is an incredibly impressive up-and-coming talent in single seater motorsport, and I’m looking forward to working with him in 2024. Taylor will play an important role within our team, and I am confident he will be adding value to the NEOM McLaren Formula E Team with his drive and talent, while also gaining valuable experience himself along the way.

    Ian James, Managing Director, NEOM McLaren Electric Racing and Team Principal, NEOM McLaren Formula E Team.

  • McLaren sign Pato O’Ward as reserve driver

    Mexican driver, Pato O’Ward has earned a promotion to McLaren’s reserve driver pool for the 2024 season, dovetailing the role with his driving duties for Arrow McLaren in IndyCar.

    O’Ward has steadily been increasing his experience with F1 machinery, taking part in several development tests in the MCL35M as well as driving in the 2021 young driver test in Abu Dhabi and FP1 at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

    After finishing fourth in this year’s IndyCar championship with seven podiums, he accrued enough points to qualify for a Super Licence that paved the way for him to step up into the reserve role for McLaren.

    The 24 year old, who first joined the McLaren Racing family in 2020, will join Le Mans 24 Hours winner Ryo Hirakawa in the papaya team’s reserve pool for 2024. They will be available to step in if regular race drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are unable to drive.

    The McLaren Formula 1 team are pleased to welcome Pato O’Ward to our pool of reserve drivers for the 2024 season. Pato had an impressive season in the NTT IndyCar Series and has performed well in his Driver Development tests, so it felt natural to take this next step now he’s been granted an FIA Super Licence. With the expansive calendar, it’s prudent to ensure we have a wide pool of drivers that we can call upon if required. We look forward to seeing him progress in this new role.

    Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal.

    Pumped to take on this new role within the McLaren Racing family. I’ve spent a lot of time with the F1 team having driven previously in free practice and taken part in a few tests. I’ve always said it’s never a bad day when you get to jump into an F1 car, so I look forward to joining the reserve driver pool for next year alongside my driving duties with Arrow McLaren. Thank you to Andrea and Zak for this great opportunity.

    O’Ward on the news.
    https://www.instagram.com/p/Cz_bvsboxQN/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

  • Schumacher switches to endurance with Alpine

    Mick Schumacher has announced he will be racing for Alpine in the FIA World Endurance Championship (WEC) next season – his first foray into racing outside of single seaters.

    Schumacher has been serving as Mercedes’ reserve driver during the 2023 campaign, having lost his place on the F1 grid after two seasons with the Haas team in 2021 and 2022.

    With Williams the only outfit year to confirm their full line-up for 2024, Schumacher has been weighing up his options outside F1, which included a recent test at the wheel of the A424 hypercar Alpine have been preparing.

    Having impressed the team, the 24 year old German has been named as part of Alpine’s line-up, which also includes French racers, Nicolas Lapierre, Matthieu Vaxiviere, Charles Milesi amd Paul-Loup Chatin, and Austrian Ferdinand Habsburg.

    Following Alpine’s announcement, Mercedes confirmed that Schumacher will continue as their F1 reserve driver for 2024, providing support to regular racers Lewis Hamilton and George Russell in a combined programme.

    A new chapter is beginning for me with Alpine in the FIA WEC hypercar category. The car is impressive, and I can’t wait to get started. I’ve grown up with single-seaters, so driving a car with a closed cockpit and covered wheels is a great opportunity to hone my driving skills. I sorely missed racing this year; it’s what I’ve loved to do since I was a kid, and it was sometimes difficult to watch the other drivers take to the track. Endurance racing is a new challenge for me, and I’m sure we will share great moments together next year with Alpine.

    Schumacher on the news.

    With [Team Principal] Philippe Sinault, we wanted drivers who are not only fast and reliable, but also showing a real team spirit and good racing acumen to best represent the Alpine colours in the premier category of the World Endurance Championship. It might be [Schumacher’s] first foray into endurance, but his enthusiasm for the project and his will to join us are palpable. I’m sure he will be a real asset.

    Bruno Famin, VP Alpine Motorsports.

  • Andretti announce Zane Maloney as Reserve & Development Driver

    Andretti Global has announced that Zane Maloney has been names as Andretti Formula E’s Reserve and Development Driver for Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    Maloney joins full-time teammates, reigning World Champion Jake Dennis and Formula E race winner, Norman Nato to complete Andretti Formula E’s Season 10 line-up.

    The Formula 2 and Red Bull Junior Team driver made his Formula E debut with Andretti at the 2023 SABIC Berlin E-Prix rookie session, finishing the day with the third quickest time overall.

    Maloney earned another opportunity with the team in a Free Practice session at the 2023 Hankook Rome E-Prix, as well as a rooking outing at the official Season 10 test in Valencia.

    The Barbadian will actively support the team in his official role with simulator development work at Andretti Formula E’s Banbury headquarters and will attend race events throughout Season 10, starting at the Formula E opener in Mexico City on January 13th.

    Joining Andretti Formula E as the official reserve and development driver is an incredible opportunity. I’m grateful for the trust the team has placed in my abilities, and I’m determined to support Jake and Norman as best I can. The Andretti name has such a rich history in motorsport, so it’s a pretty surreal moment for me in my career. I’m looking forward to contributing to the team’s continued success in Season 10.

    Maloney on the news.

    We’ve had the pleasure of working closely with Zane, and his dedication, talent and enthusiasm really stood out to us. Not only has he proven himself in other racing series, but also on multiple occasions during the rookie sessions where he demonstrated an excellent understanding of our GEN3 car. We are delighted to have Zane join us as our Reserve and Development Driver and look forward to working closely with him throughout the coming season.

    Team Principal, Roger Griffiths.

  • Mahindra sign Kush Maini as Reserve Driver

    Mahindra Racing has signed Indian driver Kush Maini as a reserve driver for Season 10 of the ABB FIA Formula E World Championship.

    The 23 year old from Bangalore joins the team after an impressive rise through the FIA single-seater pathway over the past seven years.

    He started in Italian F4 back in 2016, where he subsequently enjoyed success in British Formula 3, the Formula Renault Eurocup, FIA Formula 3 and at present, competes in FIA Formula 2 and scored his first podium in Melbourne, Australia this year.

    Maini, a protege of two-time Formula 1 champion Mika Hakkinen will work closely with Edoardo Mortara and Nyck de Vries and closely in conjunction with fellow reserve driver, Jordan King.
    His role will involve simulator sessions, attendance at selected at selected E-Prix to support the team, and possible opportunities to test the team’s M10Electro race car in the future.

    It’s a huge honour to be joining Mahindra Racing, being an Indian driver, and the team being Indian, it feels in many ways like coming home. A lot of my work will be concentrated on the simulator, and hopefully getting in the car for the Rookie Test. I’m just going to try and learn as much as I can, it’s a different style of racing. I’ll be doing as much work as possible on the sim with the engineers to try and be helpful for both Edoardo and Nyck, and to try and help push the team forward on-track. Mahindra is a huge manufacturer, so for me, it’s a massive deal to be signing with them. Being an Indian brand, it’s the cherry on top of the cake. I’m super excited to get started.

    Maini on the news.

    We are excited to welcome Kush to Mahindra Racing as a Reserve Driver. He has a great record that speaks for itself in the junior formulae and is an exciting talent to add to our driver lineup. We are a very future-focussed team, so the opportunity to support new and emerging talent, such as Kush, is one we are naturally keen to explore. We’ve been watching him in FIA Formula 2 this season, and believe he has all the key skills and attributes to help Mahindra Racing push on for greater success in the future. His synergy with Edoardo, Nyck and Jordan will play an important role in the team’s continued push for better performance on-track, and off-track he is a superb ambassador for India within motorsport.

    Mahindra Racing CEO, Fred Bertrand.

  • McLaren announce reserve driver for 2024

    McLaren have announced that Japanese driver, Ryo Hirakawa will join their Driver Development programme for 2024, while also becoming a reserve driver for the team.

    Hirakawa claimed the 2022 Hypercar World Endurance Drivers’ Championship title with Toyota – including taking victory in that year’s 24 Hours of Le Mans – while he currently leads the 2023 championship, having just won the 6 Hours of Portimao race.
    Not only that, but the Japanese driver also has experience in his nation’s Super GT and Super Formula categories.

    McLaren confirmed that the 29 year old will run laps in the team’s 2021-spec MCL35M as part of a testing programme, while also completing simulator work at the McLaren Technology Centre in the UK alongside his role with Toyota.

    I’m happy to have joined the McLaren F1 Team as a reserve driver. It’s an exciting prospect to work with such a respected team and I’m grateful to Zak [Brown, McLaren Racing CEO] and Andrea [Stella, McLaren Team Principal] for the opportunity. I’ve already met the team and experienced the simulator at MTC which has allowed me to hit the ground running. I’m now fully prepared and focused for the remainder of 2023.

    Hirakawa, on the news.

    I’m pleased to welcome Ryo to McLaren Racing as a Formula 1 reserve driver to further strengthen our growing support driver pool. We are thankful to TOYOTA GAZOO Racing for their collaboration by allowing Ryo to take on the new role alongside his driving duties. He has an impressive record on track, winning Le Mans as well as the FIA World Endurance Championship. We look forward to working closely with Ryo, who has already spent time on the simulator at MTC. His wealth of experience will benefit the team in a number of areas as he joins our strong stable of drivers.

    McLaren Team Principal, Andrea Stella.
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CxegDIIIFv8/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igshid=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

  • Drugovich & Barter to drive for Maserati in Rookie Test

    Maserati MSG Racing has secured reigning FIA Formula 2 champion, Felipe Drugovich and FIA Formula 3 racer, Hugh Barter for the Berlin Rookie Test.

    Felipe Drugovich is one of the most promising young driver on the junior single-seater scene. The Brazilian commenced his professional racing career in 2016 and quickly tasted success by winning MRF Challenge Formula 2000 in the 2017/18 season.

    Felipe secured back to back titles in 2018 by triumphing in Euroformula Open and Spanish Formula 3 and joined Formula 1’s support bill in 2020 by competing in F2.

    In a campaign marked by five wins and 11 podiums, Drugovich dominated the 2022 season to seal the Drivers’ Championship by an impressive 101 point margin over his next nearest rival.

    The 22 year old is currently the Reserve Driver for Aston Martin and McLaren in F1 and most recently represented the former during 2023 pre-season testing in Bahrain.

    I can’t wait to get my first taste of the Maserati Tipo Folgore and Gen3 Formula E in Berlin. Formula E is a category that has always fascinated me, and it will be intriguing to experience the differences of a fully-electric car in comparison to the single-seaters I’ve raced in recent seasons. Knowing that I will be playing an active role in the development of such an iconic brand, in its first season back in World Championship motorsport, is a huge honour. I’m very excited.

    Drugovich on the opportunity.

    Australian-Japanese racer Hugh Barter first sat behind the wheel at the age of six, and after excelling on the go-karting scene, stepped up to single seater in 2021.

    He was runner-up in French F4 after scoring 12 wins and 22 podiums in the series across two seasons and finished as the runner-up in Spanish F4 last season.

    For 2023 he joined the F1 support bill, by making his competitive debut in FIA Formula 3, driving for Campos Racing.

    I would like to thank Maserati MSG Racing for giving me the opportunity to experience Formula E for the very first time. I’ve really enjoyed my experience in the sim so far and I can’t wait to get out on the track in Berlin. Working closely with James, Edo and Max will be an invaluable learning experience for me, especially at this stage of my career.

    Barter on his first experience of Formula E.

    We’re delighted to welcome Felipe [Drugovich] and Hugh [Barter] to the team for our rookie test in Berlin. It provides a key chance for the next generation of racing talent to experience electric motorsport for the first time. In Felipe and Hugh, we’ll have a driver line-up formed from experience and youth. We can’t wait for them to take to the track in the GEN3 car in Berlin.

    James Rossiter, Team Principal Maserati MSG Racing.

  • Vandoorne & Drugovich added to McLaren’s reserve pool

    Aston Martin have announced that their reserve drivers, Stoffel Vandoorne and Felipe Drugovich can be used by McLaren for the majority of the 2023 season.

    Vandoorne was announced as an Aston Martin reserve in November, the former McLaren racer will be sharing duties with reigning F2 Champion Drugovich, who had earlier joined the team’s development programme.

    Aston Martin stated that McLaren will have access to Vandoorne and Drugovich for the first 15 races of the 23 race 2023 schedule.

    It follows a similar announcement that Mercedes reserve, Mick Schumacher will also be part of McLaren’s pool for the upcoming campaign.

    Both Aston Martin and McLaren head into the new season with revised driver line-ups: Fernando Alonso has joined Lance Stroll at the Silverstone squad and F3 and F2 Champion, Oscar Piastri links up with Lando Norris at the Woking squad.

  • Doohan becomes Alpine reserve

    Alpine have announced that Jack Doohan will be acting as the squad’s reserve driver during the upcoming F1 season. As it marks the next step for the Aussie after his recent test and practice outings.

    Doohan joined the Alpine Academy from Red Bull’s junior programme in 2022, combining work for the F1 team with a second F2 campaign which yielded three wins, three pole positions and sixth in the standings.

    In the closing stages of the year, Doohan also made his official Grand Prix weekend debut with FP1 outings in Mexico and Abu Dhabi. Now, having also taken part in the 2022 post-season test in Abu Dhabi, 20 year-old Doohan has been given the official title of Alpine reserve driver.

    It means he will be called upon should regular Alpine drivers, Esteban Ocon and Pierre Gasly – the latter arriving from AlphaTauri to replace Aston Martin bound Fernando Alonso – be unable to compete.

    Alongside his F1 reserve duties, Doohan will be continuing to compete in F2 for a third campaign in 2023, sticking with the Virtuosi Racing squad as Alpine set him the target of claiming the title.

  • Schumacher joins McLaren’s reserve driver pool

    McLaren have announced that they have reached an agreement with Mercedes which will see them add Mick Schumacher to their pool of reserve drivers, for the 2023 season.

    Schumacher joined the silver arrows as a reserve driver in December last year – after two seasons racing at Haas – where he scored 12 points in 43 starts.

    This means, Schumacher joins IndyCar Champion, Alex Palou in McLaren’s list of reserve drivers for the 2023 season, with the German able to step in if one of Lando Norris or the team’s newest recruit, Oscar Piastri is unable to take part in a race weekend.

    McLaren shared an image of Schumacher getting accustomed to their cockpit and getting the seat moulded around him in Woking, so the German will be ready to step in if needed.

    Schumacher, will be on hand for the squad which is led by Team Principal Andrea Stella who was his father, Michael’s Performance Engineer at Ferrari from 2002 to 2006 – during which they won three drivers’ titles together.

  • Ferrari confirm their F1 reserve & development drivers

    Ferrari have named a group of four F1 reserve and development drivers who will be providing support to full-time races, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz during the 2023 season.

    Former F1 driver Antonio Giovinazzi and 2021 F2 runner-up Robert Shwartzman who have both made several F1 test outings with Ferrari – will be sharing the role of reserve driver, whilst making the most of a new simulator.

    Giovinazzi has 62 F1 starts to his name, initially making two substitute appearances for Sauber in early 2017 before competing the full 2019, 2020 and 2021 seasons alongside Kimi Raikkonen at Alfa Romeo.

    Shwartzman finished second to new McLaren F1 racer Oscar Piastri in F2, as well as making FP1 appearances for Ferrari in the United States and Abu Dhabi towards the end of the 2022 F1 season.

    Alongside them, GP3 and F2 race winner Antonio Fuoco and GT star Davide Rigon will act as development drivers, with Ferrari noting that the pair have proved their worth in terms of providing the engineers with precise and reliable feedback through their simulator duties.

    All four drivers will be taking on racing programmes in 2023 alongside their F1 roles, with Giovinazzi and Fuoco recently confirmed to be taking on the World Endurance Championship in the 499P Hypercar.

    Meanwhile, Shwartzman and Rigon will be racing the new 296 GT3; Shwartzman in the SRO GT World Challenge Europe and Rigon in the SRO series as well as WEC and the IMSA Endurance Cup.

  • Schumacher joins Mercedes as Reserve

    Mercedes have confirmed that Mick Schumacher will be taking on the role of reserve driver for 2023, following his departure from Haas.

    2020 F2 Champion Schumacher, contested two seasons with Haas, but was moved aside in favour of Nico Hulkenberg for 2023 – the team preferring the 181 Grand Prix worth of experience of Schumacher’s compatriot to help them move further up the midfield.

    Following the news of Schumacher’s exit from Haas, Mercedes Boss Toto Wolff was open about wanting to “look after” the German as he pointed to his family’s links to Mercedes.

    With both of Mercedes reserve drivers, Nyck de Vries and Stoffel Vandoorne having found berths at Alpha Tauri in a race seat and Aston Martin as a reserve for next year, it was the given that the team would be needing a new reserve driver.

    It had been thought Daniel Ricciardo might take up the role, before it was confirmed in November that the Australian would return to the Red Bull team.

    Meanwhile, Ferrari announced that they are ending their collaboration with Schumacher after four years, having joined the driver academy of the team his father won five of his seven world titles for, back in 2019.

    Mick is a talented young driver and we’re delighted to have him join the team. He is a hard worker, has a calm and methodical approach and is still hungry to learn and improve as a driver. These are all important qualities, and we’re excited for him to help us develop the W14. We also know that with two years of experience racing in Formula 1 under his belt, he will be ready to step into the car at short notice to replace either Lewis [Hamilton] or George [Russell], should that need arise.

    Toto Wolff on signing Mick.

    I am thrilled to be part of the Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team as their reserve driver for 2023, and I am committed to give it my all to contribute to their performance in this very competitive and professional environment. I take this as a new start, and I am just excited and grateful to Toto and everybody involved for putting their trust in me. F1 is such a fascinating world, and you never stop learning, so I look forward to absorbing more knowledge and putting in all my efforts for the benefit of the Mercedes team.

    Mick on his new role.

  • Turvey joins DS Penske

    DS Penske have announced that Oliver Turvey would be staying in Formula E as a Reserve Driver and Sporting Advisor, having left long-time team NIO 333 at the end of Season 8.

    Turvey, one of the most experienced heads in Formula E, with 90 races under his belt which places him in sixth on the all time table for entries, will join double champion Jean-Eric Vergne and reigning champion Stoffel Vandoorne in pushing the team forward.

    Having been around from Gen1 and Season 1 all the way through to Gen3, Turvey brings immense experience to the table and the team feels he adds considerable weight and know-how to an already strong line-up.

    Oliver not only brings incredible credentials to the team, but an acute racing intellect. He has all the qualities we were looking for with this role. He is experienced and has demonstrated his racecraft throughout the last seasons. We look forward to working with Oliver in Season 9 and beyond.

    Jay Penske, owner and team principal.

    I am delighted to be joining DS Penske as Reserve Driver and Sporting Advisor. It is a real privilege to join a championship-winning team and one of the most successful manufacturers in Formula E history. I am looking forward to working closely with both JEV, Stoffel, and the whole team, using my experience in the series to help them challenge for another championship at the beginning of the Gen3 era.

    Turvey on his new role.

  • McLaren announce Palou as a reserve

    McLaren have announced that IndyCar champion, Alex Palou will serve as one of their Formula 1 reserve drivers for the 2023 season.

    The team said Palou will provide support for the F1 outfit alongside his driving duties in IndyCar, and be available as a reserve driver for all Grand Prix events that do not conflict his IndyCar commitment, should either Lando Norris or new recruit Oscar Piastri be unavailable to drive.

    The 25 year old Spaniard previously took part in a free practice session at the 2022 United States Grand Prix with McLaren, as well as piloting the MCL35M in Barcelona and Spielberg as part of the team’s driver development testing programme.

    Palou has four wins and 15 podiums in IndyCar and became the first Spanish driver to win the Championship when he claimed the 2021 title.

    I’m excited to be part of the McLaren team as one of their reserve drivers in 2023. I’ve been behind the wheel of both the MCL35M and MCL36 and it has been a great experience, so I can’t wait for the involvement with next year’s car. I look forward to continuing my development as a driver and I appreciate the trust McLaren have in me with this new role next year.

    Palou on his new role.

    The team are pleased to have Alex on board as one of our reserve drivers for next season. He impressed with his FP1 session in Austin and his driver development tests this year. He has many notable motorsports achievements so far, particularly the 2021 IndyCar championship title so it’s brilliant to be able to expand his role in the team and we look forward to working more closely with him.

    Andreas Seidl, Team Principal.
    https://www.instagram.com/p/CloL3ExIT_M/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=

  • Reserve drivers 2022

    As the season has started let’s take a look at the reserve drivers each team has.

    Since the pandemic started a few teams have had to call on their reserves and some have changed in the past few years.

    Mercedes-

    Stoffel Vandoorne- Vandoorne, currently competing in Formula E with Mercedes. He has been an official reserve driver for the constructors’ champions since 2020. Stoffel already has experience in F1, with 41 starts to his name from 2016-2018 with McLaren.

    Nyck de Vries- Partnering Vandoorne with the reserve role for Mercedes, he also partners with Stoffel Vandoorne for Mercedes in the Formula E Championship. De Vries is the 2019 Formula 2 Champion and reigning Formula E Champion. He was promoted to Mercedes Test and Reserve driver in 2021.

    Red Bull-

    Liam Lawson- Red Bull junior and current F2 driver is added as Red Bulls reserve driver in 2022. Lawson has been apart of the RB juniors since February 2019.

    Sebastian Buemi- Buemi is Test and Reserve driver at Red Bull this year, after Alex Albon’s departure from the team. Buemi has lots of experience in F1 and other FIA Championships. The Swiss driver has 55 F1 starts to his name from 09-11 with Toro Rosso and has also won the World Endurance Championship twice and the Formula E Championship.

    Ferrari-

    Antonio Giovinazzi- Giovinazzi, has been a Ferrari reserve since 2017. After loosing his Alfa Romeo seat for this year, he went on to race in the 2022 Formula E Championship with Dragon Penske Autosport.

    Mick Schumacher- New to being a Ferrari reserve this year, the Italian team doesn’t have to look far as he takes on this role as well as driving for Haas.

    McLaren-

    Stoffel Vandoorne and Nyck de Vries- The Mercedes reserve duo are also available to McLaren as part of an agreement between the two teams.

    Paul Di Resta- Di Resta was confirmed as a third reserve driver last year in case both Stoffel and Nyck were occupied during a Formula E race weekend, it is understood that this agreement is still in place for this year.

    Oscar Piastri- The reigning Formula 2 Champion, is a McLaren reserve as well as Alpines. Alpine made an agreement with the British team, to share Oscar.

    Alpine-

    Oscar Piastri- Oscar has been apart of the Alpine/ Renault academy since January 2020 and now moves to the Reserve role after winning Formula 2 last year and not being able to get an F1 seat.

    Alpha Tauri-

    Liam Lawson- Lawson shares both Red Bull Reserve Driver and Alpha Tauri’s Reserve- being a RB junior he has been given a big opportunity.

    Aston Martin-

    Nico Hulkenberg- The super-sub, has been called up for two rounds already this year, and three times in 2020 since loosing his seat for the 2020 season.

    Williams-

    Jack Aitken- Aitken got his F1 debut during the 2020 Sakhir Grand Prix when he replace Russell as he got promoted to Mercedes due to Hamilton testing positive for Covid-19.

    Alfa Romeo-

    Robert Kubica- Kubica is a well known name in the F1 paddock. After making a remarkable comeback since his rallying accident, he raced for Williams in 2019 before joining the Alfa Romeo team as a reserve driver. He covered for Kimi last year at Monza and Zandvoort.

    Haas-

    Pietro Fittipaldi- Fittipaldi made his F1 debut in 2020 whilst replacing injured Romain Grosjean for the final two races. He was a favourite for the seat after Mazepin was removed but it went to Magnussen. He still has his reserve role for 2022.