Williams Martini Racing has announced that 2014 GP3 Series champion Alex Lynn has joined the team as a Development Driver for the 2015 Formula 1 season.
The role will see Lynn get integrated in the team and the young Briton will learn about the functions of the team, but his major responsibility will be to use the team’s simulation tools to help develop the Williams Mercedes FW37. He will also assist the team in setting up the two cars for Valtteri Bottas and Felipe Massa at each Grand Prix in 2015.
Essex-born Lynn will also participate in the post-race test at the Circuit de Catalunya in May, and will be racing in the GP2 Series with DAMS having won the GP3 title in 2014 with Carlin.
“I am extremely excited to be joining Williams, a team with such incredible history and amazing potential,” said Lynn. “Over the past year the team has made huge strides forward and it’s clear to see their determination to fight for more success in the future.
“I hope that with a strong year in GP2, while also helping to develop the F1 car throughout this season, I can follow in the footsteps of Valtteri Bottas who joined the Williams team in exactly the same Development Driver role. Through hard work and determination, he has gone from winning the GP3 title to earning his place as a Williams F1 race driver.
“Working with people like Sir Frank Williams and Pat Symonds is an incredible opportunity for me. There is so much experience here at Williams and I hope to be able to use the knowledge gained from these people to further develop my skills as a racing driver and respected member of this team.
“Everyone has been incredibly welcoming from the outset, we have hit the ground running and I am very excited about the challenges this role offers – particularly my on track activities driving the FW37 in a few months time.”
Claire Williams, the Deputy Team Principal and Commercial Director of Williams, says the team have signed Lynn to the role on the back of his impressive performances during 2014 in GP3, and that he will play a big part in backing up the teams other drivers.
“Williams has a strong track record in bringing young talent though the ranks and our Development Driver position is designed to fully immerse new recruits into the inner workings of a Formula One team,” said Williams. “As a British team we are always on the lookout for emerging home-grown talent and Alex has caught our eye with his impressive performances in GP3.
“He has been chosen on merit and we are confident that alongside Felipe, Valtteri and Susie [Wolff], Alex will help play an important role in making sure that the FW37 shows continuous improvement over the course of the 2015 season.”
