Pietro Fittipaldi to continue as Haas test and reserve driver alongside sportscar racing commitments

Haas have confirmed that Pietro Fittipaldi will continue as their official test and reserve driver for the 2023 season.

The 26-year-old grandson of two-time F1 champion Emerson Fittipaldi will stay with the American squad for a fifth straight season. Pietro Fittpaldi tested the VF-18 and VF-19 F1 cars and made his Grand Prix debut for the final two rounds of the 2020 season as Romain Grosjean suffered an injury.

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The Miami-born driver tested the VF-22 last year in Bahrain and also took part in practice sessions at Mexico City and Abu Dhabi. This year, Pietro Fittpaldi will take the wheel of LMP2 machinery in the IMSA SportsCar Championship and World Endurance Championship.

Haas – who have a new title sponsor in Moneygram – have brought in Nico Hulkenberg alongside Kevin Magnussen as their full-time drivers for 2023.

“I’ve said before that continuity and consistency is key to success in Formula 1 and Pietro remaining with the team for 2023 makes me believe that we have strong foundations,” said Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner.

“In Formula 1, you need to be able to react within the smallest of margins to any scenario, and Pietro is a proven performer and is ready to step in at any time to get behind the wheel and drive, as he did twice in 2020.

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“Last season he took part in pre-season testing, two free-practice sessions and post-season testing in the VF-22 and surprisingly unlike many drivers on the grid, he’s said this car suits his aggressive style, which is music to my ears when track time is so limited. He’s an asset to our team so I look forward to seeing his continuation with us this season.”

Pietro Fittipaldi added: “I’m very happy to be continuing with MoneyGram Haas F1 Team, a team that I consider family. It will be my fifth season in Formula 1 as the Official Reserve & Test Driver for Haas and I’m super excited to be going into 2023 coming off the back of a very competitive season.

“Last year I did two free practice sessions, tested at the beginning of the year and at the end of season test so we’ve already been able to try some stuff for the new season. I’m excited to see the new car and new developments, and I hope that we’re able to make an even bigger step forward with the VF-23.”