Force India has announced that test and development driver Alfonso Celis will drive in next week’s opening practice for the Austrian Grand Prix.
The Mexican has already made two of his seven scheduled FP1 outings this year, having deputised for Sergio Perez in Bahrain and Nico Hulkenberg in Russia.
Celis was also given the opportunity to debut this year’s VJM09 in winter testing in Barcelona before returning to action on the final day of the first pre-season test. The 19-year-old also drove on both days of the post-Spanish Grand Prix test.
Beside his F1 commitment, Celis competes this year in the rebranded Formula V8 3.5 championship where he currently occupies ninth position with one podium finish to his name.
Force India has yet to confirm who will make way for the Mexican teenager at the Red Bull Ring. Celis has already said he is keen to prove the team that he can be considered for a race seat in 2017.
Scene at the Grand Prix of Europe
Grand Prix of Europe - Driver ratings
Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter
Kimi Antonelli attracts attention wherever he goes in Formula 1, but this week it was…
They say that when one door closes, a window opens – or in George Russell’s…
On this day in 1976, Niki Lauda's charge to the world championship title continued unabated…
The Formula 1 paddock has a habit of turning yesterday’s junior rivalries into today’s front-line…
Carlos Sainz is waving the white flag in Formula 1’s ongoing rules debate, but not…
Mercedes is sitting on Formula 1’s most enviable problem – and Sky Sports F1 commentator…