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PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 24: Jack Aitken of Great Britain and Williams walks in the Paddock before practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Portugal at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve on October 24, 2020 in Portimao, Portugal. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images)
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PORTIMAO, PORTUGAL – OCTOBER 24: Jack Aitken of Great Britain and Williams walks in the Paddock before practice ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Portugal at Autodromo Internacional do Algarve on October 24, 2020 in Portimao, Portugal. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images)
Jack Aitken, one of the contenders for the 2022 Williams F1 seat, had encountered an unfortunate fallback during the GT World Challenge Endurance Cup earlier in July.
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The Briton suffered fractures to his collarbone and vertebrae after getting himself involved in a serious multi-car accident on the Kemmel straight at Spa. Two weeks have gone by, and Aitken is still recovering from the injuries. There is also a surgery scheduled next week on his collarbone.
Hence, with a crucial week ahead, Aitken is hoping that everything pans out perfectly, and is already keen on returning to racing. Of course, returning to GT seems a bit too far-fetched. However, Aitken isn’t giving up on the hopes of driving for Williams later in this season.
What did Williams reserve driver say?
In an exclusive interview with Motorsport, Aitken revealed that Williams have been keeping an eye on his recovery, and are hoping that he returns to the simulator soon. Apparently, Aitken had been doing exemplary work on the simulator, and his absence seems to have halted the team’s development.
“Williams have already been asking when I can get back in the sim. Because there was quite a lot of good work I was doing. And unfortunately, it’s been interrupted. I’ve said I’m looking to get back sometime in September,” Aitken said.
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Jack Aitken of Great Britain driving the Williams Racing FW43 Mercedes on track during qualifying ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Sakhir at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Giuseppe Cacace – Pool/Getty Images)
“And then, I’m still talking to them about when we’ll do my FP1. Depending on how the calendar shakes out, it’s probably going to be in flyaway races coming at the end of the year. So I definitely want to be fit for that, and ready to jump in obviously if I’m needed.”
Aitken acknowledges it’s been painful
The Williams candidate affirmed that sitting idle without much action has certainly been very painful. However, he sounded glad that his recovery has so far been quite pacy.
“I’m feeling pretty good,” he said. “To be honest, good enough that occasionally I forget that I’ve broken a couple of things and I get up too quickly!
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Jack Aitken of Great Britain driving the Williams Racing FW43 Mercedes during the F1 Young Drivers Test at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
“Sitting around all day wondering when I’m going to be better is pretty painful in itself. But not too bad,” Aitken added.
Overall, September seems to be the month for Aitken to return to racing. And his eyes will undeniably be on the Williams seat, currently in George Russell’s hands. So, will Aitken’s efforts in pursuing a full-time seat pay off despite the recent obstructions?
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