Haas confirms Fittipaldi as test and reserve driver for 2021

©Haas

Haas has retained Pietro Fittipaldi as the team's test and reserve driver for the 2021 Formula 1 season.

The 24-year-old grandson of F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi served as the US outfit's reserve driver last year and had the opportunity to make his F1 debut with the team when he subbed for the injured Romain Grosjean at the Sakhir and Abu Dhabi Grands Prix.

"We’re all delighted to continue our relationship with Pietro Fittipaldi," said team boss Guenther Steiner. "

"The role of test and reserve driver means you might be called up to drive at very short notice and that turned out to be the case for Pietro in Bahrain at the end of 2020.

"Despite the demands of driving with little time to prepare, he undoubtedly did a solid job for us – not least as he hadn’t even tested the VF-20.

"He didn’t get caught up in the moment, he proved patient and ultimately, he did what he was asked to do – he brought the car home in Bahrain and Abu Dhabi.

"That first-hand race experience will only serve to add value in terms of what he brings to the team in his role this season.

"We look forward to working with Pietro and having him with us again throughout the year."

Read also: AlphaTauri's Tost doubtful of Mazepin's ability to succeed in F1

Fittipaldi will embed with Haas at every opportunity this season while Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin learn the ropes of F1.

"I’m very happy to be able to continue into my third year with Haas F1 Team," said Pietro Fittipaldi. I’m grateful to Gene (Haas) and Guenther (Steiner) for the opportunity once again.

"I’ve been working with the engineers now for a couple of years and I really feel like it’s a big family at Haas.

"It’s a great pleasure for me to be able to continue working with the team. With the two races I ran last year, it just helped me gain even more experience, and I’m sure that’s going to help me be able to contribute more to the team as a result.

"I’m really looking forward to the new season and I’m just really excited to be continuing my relationship with Haas and being with them again in Bahrain in March."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.