The Haas F1 Team have confirmed that Esteban Gutierrez will race alongside Romain Grosjean to complete their driver line-up for their debut 2016 season.
The new American run outfit has a close technical relationship with Ferrari and it’s believed a condition of their engine supply was to run a Ferrari-linked driver, putting Gutierrez and Jean-Eric Vergne in the frame.
However the 24-year-old won out in the end, bringing significant financial backing from Mexico and experience from his two seasons at Sauber and his time at Ferrari.
“I got to know Esteban through our relationship with Ferrari, and after looking at the success he’s had to earn his role there, it became clear he was an excellent choice for our race team,” said team owner Gene Haas.
“He’s young and hungry, but not inexperienced. His two years running a full F1 schedule has given him some very good race experience, and having spent this season at Ferrari as their third driver allowed him to see firsthand the methodology that makes Ferrari such a power in Formula 1.
“We’re very happy to have Esteban as a part of our race team. Between him and Romain, we have a strong driver lineup that will help us develop our car and, ultimately, score some points in our inaugural season.”
Gutierrez hopes to help build the team and achieve “great things” together.
“This is an excellent opportunity that builds on my time with Ferrari and I will make the most of it,” said Gutierrez.
“Gene Haas believes in me and I believe in how he’s going about competing in Formula 1.
“To have a race seat in a competitive car with Ferrari power is very special, and I appreciate the faith he has in me. I trust we’ll be able to achieve great things together.”
