Former Red Bull protégé Dan Ticktum has joined Williams’ driver academy in the role of its Development Driver.
Ticktum, 20, will carry out simulator work for Williams and will attend two grands prix with “full driver integration” across engineering and marketing teams.
Ticktum, a two-time Macau Grand Prix winner, finished runner-up to Mick Schumacher in the 2018 Formula 3 championship, switching to Super Formula for 2019.
But Ticktum, who made his F1 test debut for Red Bull in Bahrain, lasted only a handful of events in the Japanese category before he was dropped by the energy drinks company.
Ticktum will return to a full-time race seat in Formula 2 next season with DAMS, the team with which 2020 Williams debutant Nicholas Latifi finished runner-up in this year’s standings.
Speaking about the announcement Ticktum said: “It is a privilege to be joining the Williams Racing Driver Academy, especially given Williams’ incredible heritage in our sport.
"The time in the simulator and experience working with the team will prove invaluable for my development.
“Being fully integrated into the operations will be a fantastic opportunity and I look forward to assisting wherever I can.”
Claire Williams, Deputy Team Principal, added: “I am delighted that Dan, another exciting young British talent, has joined the Williams Racing Driver Academy.
“His ability behind the wheel has been demonstrated with back-to-back successes at the prestigious Macau Grand Prix in 2017 and 2018.
“Dan’s technical expertise will prove invaluable to the team and we are looking forward to helping him grow and develop in 2020.”