Williams release development driver Dan Ticktum

Williams have opted to release development driver Dan Ticktum with immediate effect.

The 22-year-old joined Williams from Red Bull ahead of the 2020 campaign and renewed his arrangement for this season in March.

The two-time Macau Grand Prix winner carried out work in the simulator to aid the F1 team’s car development, while also assisting the team at the factory and race track.

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He was dovetailing the role with his second F2 campaign and currently sits fourth in the standings, 19 points behind championship leader Oscar Piastri.

However, Williams confirmed to F1.com that Ticktum was released from his role – and their driver academy - last week, with half the F1 campaign still to go. The reasons for his departure remain unclear.

That leaves Roy Nissany, who has driven in FP1 for the team three times this season, their reserve Jack Aitken, and W Series champion Jamie Chadwick in the driver academy.

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