Esteban Gutierrez says switching from a full-time race seat to a third seat was the “best decision” of his career, after it led to a Haas seat for the 2016 season.
The Mexican driver raced for Sauber in 2014, but lost his seat to Felipe Nasr. However he would later join Ferrari in a reserve role alongside Toro Rosso reject Jean-Eric Vergne.
His involvement at Ferrari is what helped him secure a seat with America’s new F1 team – alongside Romain Grosjean – which has a close technical partnership with the Italian outfit.
“It was difficult [not racing]. Not an easy year. I had to be very patient,” he told Brazil’s Globo.
“It was a great year in many ways, always with the strategy and vision for the future. It was a big risk, but leaving the race seat to be third driver was the best decision of my career.”
Gutierrez is expecting a strong start from his new team, considering their success in Nascar and their relationship with Ferrari which has seen them source as many components as the rules allow, leading to many labelling them a Ferrari ‘B-team’.
“Last year, I knew that Haas would enter Formula 1 and I saw a great opportunity. It is an important team in the United States [in Nascar], achieving great results there.
“Now they are entering F1 in a serious way and we have a great relationship with Ferrari.”
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