Haas development driver Charles Leclerc will return to the wheel of the VF-16 in the opening free practice at this weekend’s Brazilian Grand Prix.

The Monegasque-born racer has already made three of his five scheduled FP1 outings this year, having tested in Silverstone, Hungary, and Germany. Leclerc, who leads this year’s GP3 Series, was initially set to run in Malaysia as well but “a change of timetable” meant he did not drive at Sepang.

With Abu Dhabi planned on the 18-year-old's programme from the onset, Interlagos was the only place left where Leclerc could also take part in free practice this year. The Ferrari Driver Academy member will once again deputise for Esteban Gutierrez.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has already ruled out Leclerc for a full-time F1 role with the US team in 2017, with a step to GP2 Series on the cards instead.

“Charles has done a good job for the team,” Steiner said. “He always did his program and he performed what we asked of him. It’s always difficult when a driver is only in for FP1, but he’s very professional and has provided good feedback. We’ve been very happy with his contributions.

“He’s in GP3 at the moment and can win the title in Abu Dhabi. He’s got a season of GP2 coming up and we will see how far he can get. If he wins GP2 or is in the top-three in his first year of GP2, he will have a good future in front of him.”

As a Maranello junior, Leclerc was also given the opportunity to sample the Scuderia’s SF16-H in the post-British Grand Prix test held at Silverstone.

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Pitwall hero: Sainz’s insight lifts Albon in Melbourne mayhem

Carlos Sainz’s Australian Grand Prix was over almost before it began on Sunday in Melbourne,…

3 hours ago

Doohan expects more home GPs, despite media speculation

Jack Doohan, despite intense media scrutiny and a crash at the season-opening Australian Grand Prix,…

4 hours ago

Australian GP: Sunday's action in pictures

The 2025 Australian Grand Prix was a heart-pounding spectacle, with McLaren’s Lando Norris mastering chaotic…

5 hours ago

Stella explains why McLaren intra-team battle was put on pause

The Australian Grand Prix took an unexpected turn at one point when McLaren issued a…

6 hours ago

Verstappen: No regrets over Red Bull's Aussie GP gamble

Max Verstappen put in a valiant effort at the Australian Grand Prix, emerging from a…

7 hours ago

Kimi’s comeback: Mercedes rookie snags P4 after penalty drama

Mercedes rookie Kimi Antonelli marked his Formula 1 debut with a remarkable fourth-place finish at…

9 hours ago