Pietro Fittipaldi gets Haas F1 practice runs in Mexico and Abu Dhabi
Pietro Fittipaldi will return to the cockpit of a Haas Formula 1 car in Mexico City and Abu Dhabi when he drives in the FP1 sessions for the American squad.
The grandson of two-time Formula 1 World Champion Emerson Fittipaldi will fulfill Haas F1’s obligation to run a mandated rookie in its car for two free practice sessions in 2022.
Fittipaldi, who started two grands prix for Haas at the end of 2020 in place of the injured Romain Grosjean, still qualifies for ‘rookie’ status. In his continuing role of test and reserve driver, he previously drove the Haas’s converted 2019 ‘mule’ car at Yas Marina at the end of last season and the VF-22 in Bahrain in pre-season testing this year.
“Super excited to announce that I’ll be doing the FP1 in Mexico and Abu Dhabi,” Fittipaldi said. “I want to thank Haas F1 Team for the great opportunity.
“I drove the car at the beginning of the year in Bahrain, but to get a chance to drive the VF-22 during a race weekend is awesome”.
Ayao Komatsu, Chief Engineer, Haas F1, Pietro Fittipaldi, Haas F1 Team, walk the track
Photo by: Andy Hone / Motorsport Images
Team principal Gunther Steiner added: “I’m very happy we’re able to give Pietro another couple of stints behind the wheel of the VF-22 in Mexico and Abu Dhabi as part of our mandated rookie running this season. He obviously still qualifies having only competed in two grands prix for us back in 2020.
“Pietro, as always, did a great job for us earlier in pre-season testing when he got to drive the VF-22 for the first time in Bahrain. I know he’s keen to drive again and we’re pleased to give him the opportunity in these sessions.”
Under a rule introduced for 2022, both race drivers have to give up a free practice session for a 'rookie' who has made two or fewer F1 starts.
Early in the season, most teams were in no hurry to field rookies as they felt their race drivers needed all the mileage they could get in the new cars. Latterly some have maintained that focus as they are in tight battles in the constructors' championship.
In addition, the budget cap means that teams are warier than ever about a rookie generating expensive damage, as happened with Alfonso Celis Jr and Force India in Mexico in 2017.
Share Or Save This Story
Mika Hakkinen on his darkest day in F1
Dillon: Spotter was “wrong” to shout “wreck him!” before Hamlin clash
Hamlin: NASCAR stripping Dillon of win would be “warranted”
Pietro Fittipaldi is fueled by 5-Hour Energy and lots of carbs
Indy 500: Blomqvist error triggers multi-car crash on opening lap
Rahal encouraged despite limited running in Indy 500 Open Test
Ollie Bearman admits F2 did not prepare him for brutal reality of Ferrari F1 debut
Ollie Bearman reveals biggest lesson from rookie F1 season
Exclusive: Ahead of Red Bull – is Haas the unsung hero of the early F1 races?
Alexander Rossi suffered minor injuries to finger and ankle, still aims to race Indy 500
Lando Norris eyes Le Mans drive as McLaren endurance push heats up
Official Coca-Cola 600 entry list released, Katherine Legge locked in
Toto Wolff keeps Mercedes grounded ahead of crucial Canadian GP upgrades
How F1's ADUO system works
How Colton Herta is chasing his F1 dream
How Formula 1 driving has changed – and stayed the same
Remembering a lost Italian F1 hero 40 years on
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments