Haas F1 has confirmed 17-year-old American driver Santino Ferrucci as their development driver for the forthcoming Formula 1 season, their first in the sport.
The former FIA European Formula 3 racer will attend various races and test sessions with the outfit, whilst also completing work in the team’s simulator throughout the year.
Alongside his role as development driver for Haas, Ferrucci will also compete for DAMS in the GP3 Series.
Last season the Connecticut-born racer competed in the FIA European Formula 3 series, as well as the Toyota Racing Series New Zealand where he finished third overall in the championship with one victory to his name.
Team principal Guenther Steiner firmly believes Ferrucci has strong potential, after showing maturity during his time in the lower categories.
Last year he finished sixth in the coveted Macau Grand Prix.
“In Formula One, developing your personnel is as important as developing your race car. You can’t have one without the other,” explained Steiner.
“Santino Ferrucci has done a very good job of proving himself in each of the racing series he’s competed in, and his maturity outside of the race car is impressive.
“We see Santino as a young, American driver with a lot of potential.”
Ferrucci is understandably thrilled with his appointment at Haas, and is proud to be a part of America’s most recent team in F1.
There’s no denying the knowledge available to him as the development driver will firmly boost his overall confidence, which will set him up well for his debut in the GP3 Series later in the year.
“To be an American who is part of an American team is something I take a tremendous amount of pride in,” explained Ferrucci.
“There is still a lot of work I need to do, but being paired with Haas F1 Team will allow me to learn more and at a faster rate.
“It’ll allow me to make the most of my GP3 drive with DAMS and, ultimately, prepare me for Formula One.”
