Alfa Romeo has announced that Callum Ilott has joined the team as its second reserve driver, the youngster to make his FP1 debut with the team this weekend in Portugal.

Ilott, 22, joins a team he knows well, following a first testing appearance in 2019 and a more recent outing at the 2020 post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

Fresh from a season that saw him finish runner-up in the Formula 2 championship with three wins and six podiums to his name, the Ferrari Driver Academy inductee has built a reputation as a quick, consistent and hard-working driver – an attitude and a skillset that greatly impressed the Alfa Romeo personnel in his first two outings with the team.

The young Englishman will share reserve driver duties with Robert Kubica in events during which the Pole is unavailable due to his racing and testing commitments in other motorsport categories.

He will also take part in a number of FP1 sessions throughout the season, starting this Friday at the Portuguese Grand Prix, further enhancing his growing experience.

"I am delighted to welcome Callum to our team," said Frederic Vasseur, "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."

"I am really happy to be joining the team for this season," added Ilott, "and I'd like to thank Alfa Romeo and the Ferrari Driver Academy for the trust they have put in me.

"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. I can't wait to be in the car and help the team continue its progress."