Haas replacement driver Pietro Fittipaldi has an IndyCar contract in the bag for 2024 – What’s next for him at the Haas team? – He would like to stay
Pietro Fittipaldi would like to continue his role as a Haas reserve driver in Formula 1 in 2024, although his availability will be limited by his stint in the IndyCar Series with Rahal Letterman Lanigan (RLL).
Fittipaldi will prioritize his IndyCar program next year, but still has hopes of maintaining his ties with Haas. He had competed in the last two races of the 2020 season for the Formula One team as a replacement for the injured Romain Grosjean.
With the IndyCar season already ending on Sept. 15, he would potentially be free for the final seven races of the 2024 Formula One season, plus he would have a few free weekends early in the year.
With 24 races on the 2024 Formula One calendar, many teams split the reserve role. Haas could also rely on Ferrari junior Oliver Bearman in the future.
“We still have to find out,” team principal Guenther Steiner responded when asked about Fittipaldi. “I’ve talked to [Ferrari team boss] Frederic [Vasseur] about what they plan to do with the reserve drivers for next year, but haven’t come to a conclusion yet.”
“I don’t think we will lose him completely. As I said, we have looked at what is possible and what is not. We know the calendars. We had a conversation about it today. Also, how much testing will be done, because there is more testing in IndyCars than in ours. Pietro is part of the family, and if he’s not there, something is missing.”
Fittipaldi wants to maintain his connection to Formula 1 despite his move to the U.S. He tells Motorsport.com Global, “It would be great to continue with Haas. First, because we’ve been working together for so long. It would already be the sixth season. “
Both sides want to continue
“We always do good work in testing and trying to develop the car. I love doing this work for the team. And for me as a driver, it’s also very useful. Because every year the technology changes, and it’s useful information that can help me in every race series I drive in.”
“Of course, Guenther knows that the priority and focus is 100 percent on IndyCar. But we’re looking at it closely now to see what opportunities there are to continue as a reserve driver and continue to do testing duties for the team. So we will know soon, but the intention is there.”
Fittipaldi confirms that the last part of the Formula One season is his best chance to be continuously available: “With the IndyCar season already ending in September, there are seven Formula One races left until the end of the year. That still leaves you with a third of the season to go. And then there are some races that would probably be easier to handle, like the Miami Grand Prix, when I’m already in the U.S. “
“And to be able to continue to do some testing I think would be important. So we are in the process of looking into that right now. But I think the intention is there to do something together.”
“There is no rush, and I see no reason why it should not be possible. But I need to check with the team and Rahal again and make sure there’s no overlap and that they’re okay with me doing both.”
Asked if he will do the rookie test in Abu Dhabi next month, Fittipaldi replied, “That depends on whether I continue with the team, then sure. I think the Abu Dhabi test will be like my first race for 2024. I think we need to set everything in stone first and then we can go from there.”
Meanwhile, Bearman confirms that Fittipaldi’s absence is a potential opportunity: “Of course it’s great news for Pietro that he’s getting a full-time seat. My main focus is Formula 2, and that will continue. But anything beyond that would be a bonus, of course. “
