Esteban Gutierrez has been confirmed as the second Haas F1 Team driver for 2016 at a press conference in Mexico.
The Ferrari reserve driver will partner Romain Grosjean next season as the team takes part in its debut F1 campaign. Gutierrez was selected as a result of Haas' technical partnership with Ferrari and the former Sauber driver says he is desperate to return to racing.
“This is an excellent opportunity that builds on my time with Ferrari and I will make the most of it,” Gutierrez said. “Gene Haas believes in me and I believe in how he’s going about competing in Formula One. To have a race seat in a competitive car with Ferrari power is very special, and I appreciate the faith he has in me. I trust we’ll be able to achieve great things together.”
Team owner Gene Haas says Gutierrez is a good mix of potential and experience who will help the Ferrari partnership work.
“I got to know Esteban through our relationship with Ferrari, and after looking at the success he’s had to earn his role there, it became clear he was an excellent choice for our race team,” Haas said. “He’s young and hungry, but not inexperienced. His two years running a full F1 schedule has given him some very good race experience, and having spent this season at Ferrari as their third driver allowed him to see firsthand the methodology that makes Ferrari such a power in Formula One.
“We’re very happy to have Esteban as a part of our race team. Between him and Romain, we have a strong driver lineup that will help us develop our car and, ultimately, score some points in our inaugural season.”
AS IT HAPPENED: Mexican Grand Prix FP2
Eric Silbermann's Mexican grumpy preview
Technical analysis: United States
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