Hitech Grand Prix has recruited Red Bull junior drivers Juri Vips and Liam Lawson as its line-up for the 2021 Formula 2 championship.
Hitech stepped up to Formula 2 last season and finished fourth in the standings with Haas F1-bound Nikita Mazepin and series veteran Luca Ghiotto.
For 2021 Hitech has signed Vips and Lawson, both of whom are backed by Red Bull, and who conducted post-season testing for the team in Bahrain.
Vips’ 2020 campaign was heavily compromised by Japan’s tight entry restrictions, wrecking his Super Formula ambitions, though he participated in four Formula 2 rounds in place of the injured Sean Gelael at DAMS, taking a maiden podium at Mugello.
“I’m really looking forward to working with Hitech again,” Vips added.
“We had a good year in F3 back in 2019, but we have some unfinished business together. They had a great season in their first year in F2 and I’m confident we will be able to fight for the title this season”
Team-mate Lawson finished fifth in last year’s Formula 3 standings, taking a trio of wins, and previously claimed the F1600 title and Toyota Racing Series crown in his native New Zealand.
“I’m excited to be racing in F2 with Hitech this year”, Lawson said.
“Following two years of Formula 3, I feel prepared to be in this championship and do a good job for the team.
“I learnt a lot in the F2 test in Bahrain with Hitech and got a good feeling with the car. This being said, there’s definitely still a lot more to learn so I am looking forward to the challenge ahead!”