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Haas to field Fittipaldi and Bearman at Abu Dhabi test

The Haas US outfit will field reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi and Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman in F1’s end-of-season test that will take place next week in Abu Dhabi on November 28.

Fittipaldi, who will enjoy a full season of IndyCar racing next year with Rahal Letterman Lanigan, is well acquainted with Haas’ current-spec VF-23 car having driven the latter last July at a Pirelli tyre test at Silverstone.

Bearman, a four-time winner this season in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, is also familiar with Haas’ 2023 car, having participated in the opening practice session at last month’s Mexican GP.

The 18-year-old British driver has also been earmarked by Haas for its second mandatory rookie driver test in FP1 this Friday at Yas Marina.

“We’re fielding an exciting line-up for the final running of this season,” stated Haas team boss Guenther Steiner.

“Pietro’s reliability is always appreciated by the team, especially when we’re still collecting data and knowledge for next season, so it’s fitting he continues his testing duties following on from the tire test at Silverstone.

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“Ollie had a great first outing with us in Mexico City, and his attitude, work ethic and feedback really impressed us, so we’re delighted to give him more time with the team to further expand his knowledge of driving a Formula 1 car.”

“It’s always a great opportunity to drive a Formula 1 car and to continue our F1 development work together with the whole team at Haas,” commented Fittipaldi.

“I’m looking forward to racking up the final laps of the season for the team.”

Bearman is equally impatient to enjoy his second run onboard Haas’ VF-23

“We’re doing FP1 together on Friday, so it will be great to be able to build on that and get a full day in the car,” he said.

“The Young Driver Test is the last chance the team will get this year to work on things for 2024 and I’ll try and do a solid job.

“The team made me feel very comfortable since we met in Qatar and I really enjoy working with them, I’m looking forward to seeing everyone in Abu Dhabi.”

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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.