Red Bull motorsport boss Helmut Marko welcomed a new member into the energy drink company's junior driver programme: 21-year-old Enzo Fittipaldi.
The young Brazilian-American charger - the grandson of two-time F1 world champion Emerson Fittipaldi and the brother of Haas reserve Pietro Fittipaldi – currently drives for Charouz Racing System in the FIA Formula 2 Championship.
Fittipaldi sits sixth in the feeder series ahead of next week's final two races of the season in Abu Dhabi, having logged six podiums so far this year.
"It is a great honour and a very important step in my career to join the Red Bull family, who are the reigning F1 champions," commented Fittipaldi.
"I am very grateful for this opportunity and I would like to thank Red Bull, Dr Helmut Marko and Christian Horner for their trust in me."
Next year, Fittipaldi will undertake a second full season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, but will switch his allegiance to front-running outfit Carlin.
Asked what had put Fittipaldi on Red Bull's radar, Marko pointed to the Brazilian-American's performance that exceeded expectations with Charouz.
"He performed in a midfield team, I would say," said Marko. "He was always there on the top.
"I think he had his ups and downs. And now he knows there's a chance. He will be with Carlin, which is a top team. And he’s a character."
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