Pietro Fittipaldi will continue to remain as the Haas test and reserve driver for the 2022 F1 season, as Logan Sargeant handed test chance by Williams.
Having joined Haas in 2019, Fittipaldi will remain with the team for his fourth season in 2022 as its official test and reserve driver. The Brazilian made his debut with the team last year when Romain Grosjean was ruled out due to a massive accident.
He has been part of the team for pretty much all of the races in 2020 and also 2021, especially due to the COVID-19 restrictions. “I’m naturally very happy and excited again by the opportunity to continue my association with Uralkali Haas F1 Team,” said Fittipaldi. “I’ve been with the team for a few seasons now and they very much feel like family.
“I’ve learned a lot in my time and I hope I can keep contributing with the introduction of the new generation of Formula 1 car in 2022. It’s going to be exciting to see what’s coming with the new package and I’m obviously as keen as the rest of the team to see what the VF-22 will accomplish on-track.”
At the same time, Guenther Steiner added: “This was a very straightforward decision for us – to keep Pietro on as our official test and reserve driver. Pietro knows the inner workings of our team very well, having been with us for so long now.
“He proved to us last year that he was ready to step-up and drive when required and obviously his presence in the team this year has brought continuity as well. We’re delighted to continue our relationship and we look forward to having him onboard again in 2022.”
It is unclear when Fittipaldi gets a chance to be back in the Haas F1 car as it is likely that the regular drivers are set to undertake the Abu Dhabi 18-inches testing. Although, it looks like Robert Shwartzman will drive only half the day on Tuesday which could see the Brazilian step in and complete the rest of the running.
Staying with the Tuesday rookie testing, Williams has confirmed Sargeant in the car for their lone day of running. The British outfit don’t have a mule car and so they cannot take part in the 18-inches running, leaving them only one day of running a rookie.
Having joined the team during US GP, Sargeant gets his first go in a F1 car next week as he prepares for a full season with Williams as its academy driver. “I can’t wait for my first run in a Formula One car and want to thank the team for trusting me with this amazing opportunity,” he said.
“I’ve been spending time in the factory at Grove and getting to grips with the simulator, which has helped me get an initial feel for the characteristics of the FW43B, but to be able to get out on track will be an incredible experience and one that I won’t forget. I’ll be going into the test looking to perform the best I can and to learn as much as possible from the team.”
At the same time, Williams now Sporting Director Sven Smeets added: “I’m very much looking forward to seeing Logan in the FW43B and I’m pleased that Williams can provide him with his first outing in Formula One machinery; I’m sure it will be a very special moment for him. Whilst we won’t be running a ‘mule car’ using the 18-inch Pirelli tyres, the test will still be beneficial for the team.
“It will also be an incredibly valuable opportunity for Logan to fully understand how we operate trackside. I know that having such an immersive experience will only build upon his evident skill and allows the team to continue to support his development whilst capitalising on his talent.”