IndyCar driver Callum Ilott will deputise for Robert Kubica as a reserve driver for the Alfa Romeo team at the Formula One weekend in Miami – Formula One chances rather slim
IndyCar driver Callum Ilott has been ordered to Miami by the Alfa Romeo Formula One team to deputise for regular reserve driver Robert Kubica, who is prevented by his participation in the WEC event at Spa.
His assignment is only a one-off at the moment, but Ilott could be asked to take part in other race weekends in the future as a reserve driver if Kubica is unavailable and he can fit it in with his IndyCar schedule.
Last year Ilott shared Alfa Romeo reserve duties with Kubica due to his membership of the Ferrari Driver Academy. He also took part in the first free practice in Portugal and Austria.
Ilott wants to leave door open to Formula 1
However, he is now no longer associated with Ferrari and has therefore retained his role at Alfa Romeo regardless of any links with Maranello. “Callum is part of the team and he was already with us last year,” said Alfa Romeo team boss Frederic Vasseur.
“He knows the team perfectly. Not the car, of course, but he knows the team. And we are all very close to him. He has done a good job for us in the past. If Robert is not available in the future, it makes absolute sense to go with Callum. We don’t need a contract because he’s part of the family. “
Ilott himself welcomes the chance to support the team in Miami, leaving the door to Formula One open. “I wanted to come here anyway,” he says. “They called me a fortnight ago, so it worked out well for me to help out and be here. “
“The last time I drove this car in the simulator was probably in the early stages of development. A lot of the systems are very similar to those of previous years, but the fundamentals are obviously very different now. “
Ilott: Not actively seeking Formula 1 cockpit
When asked if he still harbours hopes of one day landing a regular Formula One seat, he says: “I’m quoting Nyck de Vries here because he said he’s not actively looking for it. I think that’s how I see it too.”
“Now I have a good career path going with the IndyCar Series and if something comes up, it will happen. You can spend so much energy looking for a cockpit, and in that respect, the last two years haven’t really paid off for me. So I’m here to just enjoy it.”
In doing so, Ilott is looking forward to seeing people from his former Formula 3 and Formula 2 entourage again, “To come back and enjoy some good moments with these people and really get involved is great. It’s very refreshing,” said the Briton.