Juri Vips will act as Red Bull and AlphaTauri’s reserve driver for this weekend’s Formula 1 Turkish Grand Prix.
Vips finished fourth in last year’s Formula 3 championship and claimed the runner-up spot at the Macau Grand Prix.
He has not had a full-time race programme this year after plans to compete in the Japan-based Super Formula championship were hindered by entry restrictions amid the Covid-19 pandemic.
The 20-year-old Estonian has entered select Formula Regional European Championship events and also acted as a substitute at DAMS in Formula 2 for the injured Sean Gelael.
Red Bull and AlphaTauri have had Sebastien Buemi and Sergio Sette Camara jointly holding the role of reserve driver but neither is able to be on location in Turkey.
Red Bull says Vips has been awarded an FIA Super Licence after recently carrying out a private test in Formula 1 machinery.
It is understood that Vips is not in contention to race in Formula 1 next year, with AlphaTauri inching towards Yuki Tsunoda, but that a full-time seat in Formula 2 is likely.
Two Formula 1 drivers – Racing Point duo Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll – have had to miss races this year due to suffering from Covid-19.
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