Ilott gets Haas chance at the Nurburgring
Callum Ilott will get his chance to stake his claim for a seat on next year’s Formula 1 grid with an outing in a Free Practice for Haas at next week’s Eifel Grand Prix.
The Brit who is locked in an intense title fight for the Formula 2 championship with fellow Ferrari Junior Mick Schumacher will make his first appearance for the American outfit after previously testing Formula 1 machinery at Alfa Romeo.
Ilott has fond memories of the Nürburgring which saw him secure his first Formula 3 podium in his rookie season with the Brit planning to make the most out of his big chance.
“It’s a real privilege to get my first run in a free practice session, especially to do it with Haas F1 Team, it’s amazing to have this chance at a track that is one of my favorites – it was where I scored the first podium of my career back in 2015.”
”The Nürburgring means a lot to me and is a track with real heritage, so it’s great that I’ll have my first outing at a Formula 1 race weekend there. Thanks to Haas F1 Team and to the Ferrari Driver Academy for giving me such a great opportunity. It should be really fun and exciting. I plan to make the most of it, I’m definitely looking forward to it.”
Haas team principal Guenther Steiner who currently hasn’t confirmed Haas’s driver line up for 2021 praised Ilott’s ability and said his team was very happy to give the young Brit his official Formula 1 debut.
“Callum Ilott has clearly demonstrated this season why Ferrari holds him in such high regard. He’s demonstrated his outright pace and racecraft throughout 2020 with four pole positions and three wins in what’s been undoubtedly another highly competitive season of F2 competition. We are happy to present him with the opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car at the Nürburgring.”
It has still not been confirmed whether Ilott will replace Haas team leader Romain Grosjean or Kevin Magnussen.
Let us know your thoughts @F2inside on Twitter and join our ever growing community of Formula 2 fans!
* Image Credit: Formula Motorsport Limited
