Ex-Sauber and Haas racer Esteban Gutierrez had his first public run for the Mercedes Formula 1 team at Silverstone on Friday, as part of a demonstration event.
Gutierrez raced for Sauber in 2013 and 2014 but scored points in just one event and was dropped, after which he took up a role as Ferrari’s test and reserve driver.
Gutierrez joined the fledgling Haas team for 2016 but failed to record a single top 10 finish and was axed in favour of Kevin Magnussen, after which he made a handful of IndyCar and Formula E outings.
Gutierrez has not raced in 2018 but took up a simulator role with Mercedes and has been present at a handful of events this season, with his appearance at Silverstone the first time he has been donned in team kit.
The Mexican took to the wheel of Mercedes’ title-winning 2016 Formula 1 car, which Lewis Hamilton drove to victory at 10 Grands Prix, as part of a demonstration run to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the Silverstone Circuit.
Red Bull simulator driver Jake Dennis was another in action, piloting the team’s 2012-spec RB8, off the back of his day of testing in this year’s car in Barcelona two months ago.
Several classic cars from Ferrari, Lotus, BRM, Tyrrell and Benetton are also part of the demonstration run, which will take place on Saturday and Sunday at the venue.
Mercedes also has current Force India driver Esteban Ocon, ex-Manor/Sauber racer Pascal Wehrlein and F2 points leader George Russell on its books.
Discussion about this post