Gutierrez included on Haas short list

The Haas F1 Team which will be joining the ranks in 2016 has made clear that it wants to sign up at least one experienced driver for its maiden Grand Prix season.

Founder Gene Haas, speaking in Mexico where the FIA's Sport Conference is taking place, officially acknowledged his interest in Mexican Esteban Gutierrez whom Haas has included on a short list of potential candidates for next year.

"I met Gutierrez who is a good guy and talented and already at Ferrari at a high level," Haas commented, adding that "at this point, anything is possible" with regard to Gutierrez's chances of joining Haas.

The 23-year-old former former Sauber driver was recruited by Ferrari this year as its official reserve and test driver. Gutierrez helped with the development of the Scuderia's SF15-T contender this season when he ran in both in-season tests at Barcelona and at Spielberg.

With Haas entering F1 in close collaboration with Ferrari which will supply its drive train and several other components to the American outfit's future Dallara manufactured chassis, Gutierrez would bring a wealth of qualified knowledge along with perhaps a lavish sponsorship deal associated with his Mexican benefactors.

Haas admitted however that Gutierrez was in good company when it comes to the team's current list of potential driver choices.

"We have a list of 10 names that we are watching," the American said. "We'll talk to them in particular and we will see what works for us. We definitely want to have drivers who are currently competing on the starting grid, people with experience."

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