Haas would like Pietro Fittipaldi to remain the official test and reserve driver beyond the end of the season.
Fittipaldi joined Haas in late 2018 and has been working with the team ever since. He has performed a number of test and simulator duties, but has also represented the injured Romain Grosjean in the last two races of last season. Team boss Günther Steiner believes that the Brazilian-American is an important part of Haas’ work and wants the partnership to continue until 2022.
“Pietro is a very good guy, he’s a very good driver and now part of our family,” said Steiner. “We always can’t do without him, but when Romain had his accident last year and he had to step in, he did a fantastic job as he wasn’t in the car for almost a year. Pietro is one of us and I hope he will stay with us. “
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Fittipaldi wants to stay with Haas too, saying he plans to test the new generation Formula 1 car next season to add to its versatility after having driven three IndyCar races in Texas and Indianapolis this season.
“I’ve been on the team since 2018 – so I have to test the 2018 and 2019 car and drive the 2020 car,” said Fittipaldi. “I haven’t tested this car because of COVID, there have been no tests during the season and there is limited testing before the season.
“For me it’s exciting, it’s different. You can drive a new era of Formula 1. If I can test the car next season, it will be exciting because nobody knows how it will be. Everyone says it’s getting harder to drive, less aerodynamic, with cars moving more so you can’t tell until you get behind the wheel. As a driver, you always want new challenges.
“I think I’m one of those drivers who have driven most different cars in the world – the only thing I haven’t done is rally or ice rides. I’ve driven Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, I’ve driven Formula E, Porsche LMP1, Super Formula, DTM, Brazilian stock car, GT, so it would be pretty cool to add the new era of Formula 1. “
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