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Fittipaldi handed F1 outings with Haas in Mexico and Abu Dhabi

Haas reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi will take part in Friday's opening practice with the US outfit in Mexico City and in Abu Dhabi.

The Brazilian driver's nomination for the two sessions is part of Formula 1's mandatory rule that calls for teams to field a 'young driver' in at least two practice sessions this season.

Fittipaldi has tested on numerous occasions with Haas in the past. The 26-year-old also raced for the team in the final two races of 2020 - at Sakhir and Abu Dhabi - when he substituted for an injured Romain Grosjean.

Read also: Ralf Schumacher unhappy with Haas' treatment of Mick

The Brazilian also saddled Haas' VF-22 car during pre-season testing earlier this year in Bahrain.

"I’m excited to announce that I will be doing FP1 in Mexico and Abu Dhabi," Fittipaldi said.

"I want to thank the Haas F1 team for the opportunity. I drove the car at the beginning of the year in Bahrain, but to get another chance to drive the VF-22, it’s going to be pretty amazing.

"It’s a very fast car and I’m looking forward to driving in Mexico and Abu Dhabi."

Haas' regular drivers, Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher, will each relinquish their seat to accommodate Fittipaldi.

Haas is also scheduled to run Ferrari protégé Antonio Giovinazzi in next week's FP1 at the US Grand Prix. The Italian is also a candidate, along with Nico Hulkenberg and incumbent Mick Schumacher, to race with the team alongside Magnussen next season.

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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.