Renault has confirmed the recruitment of Sergey Sirotkin as its 2019 Formula 1 reserve driver, with Jack Aitken remaining as a test driver.
Sirotkin spent 2016/17 as Renault’s reserve driver, participating in a handful of test days and FP1 runs, before securing a race seat with Williams for 2018.
Sirotkin scored just one point, with his campaign coinciding with Williams’ slump in form, and was unable to retain his drive for 2019 as the team opted for a refreshed line-up.
The Russian will provide back-up to Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg, alongside his race duties for SMP Racing in the World Endurance Championship.
“I am very pleased to re-join my friends at Renault and return to Formula 1,” said Sirotkin.
“We are well acquainted with the team, I spent the whole of 2017 in their factory and in the garage.
“It will be interesting to learn how far Renault has advanced in the development of the car over the past year; last season we were rivals and I could not see the work from the inside.”
Aitken, meanwhile, spent three years with Renault’s junior programme and received his first taste of contemporary Formula 1 machinery in Spain last season.
The British driver has now graduated from Renault’s scheme but will remain with the manufacturer as a test driver; he is continuing in Formula 2 this season, having switched from ART to Campos.
“It’s a great feeling to continue with Renault and I’m grateful for this opportunity,” he said.
“I’ve been part of the team since 2016, so to remain for a fourth season is a privilege and I’m determined to repay Renault’s faith in me.
“I drove the Formula 1 car a couple of times last year and I can’t wait to sample the Renault R.S.19 this season in the rookie tests and give my best to develop the package in any way I can.
“Last year was a lot about learning, but I feel ready this season to do the job and get the results I’m aiming for as I continue my development pathway within Renault.”
Sirotkin and Aitken will be backed up by development driver Guan Yu Zhou.
