By Frank Santoroski, Contributing Writer
There is fantastic news coming out the the Haas F1 camp for those of us that would like to see an American driver behind the wheel at the only American-based Formula One team.
The North Carolina-based Haas F1 team, preparing for their debut season in Formula One, announced this morning that 17-year old Santino Ferrucci would be joining the team as a development driver. Ferrucci’s duties in this capacity will see him at test sessions and Grands Prix, and also give him time in the simulator.
Ferrucci hails from Woodbury, CT, and has assembled an impressive racing resume in his young career. Having won multiple karting championships, Ferrucci moved up to open-wheel racing in 2013.
The past three seasons have seen him collect race wins in the Skip Barber Series, Formula 2000, British F-3, and the Toyota Racing Series:New Zealand. Additionally, Ferrucci has experience in the FIA European Formula 3 Series.
In addition to his duties with Haas F1, Ferrucci will contest a full season of GP3 with the DAMS team. Because GP3 runs as a support series for Formula One, team and driver will be able to maximize the opportunity.
“My goal since I first started racing was to become a Formula One driver, and to be an American who is part of an American team is something I take a tremendous amount of pride in,” said 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.”
Guenther Steiner, team principal of Haas F1, is excited with the possibilities ahead for both team and driver, stating, “In Formula One, developing your personnel is as important as developing your race car. You can’t have one without the other.”
“We see Santino as a young, American driver with a lot of potential,” Steiner continued. “His opportunity with DAMS is an excellent way for him to further his development while positioning Haas F1 Team for future success.”
Ferrucci is expected to be at the track in Melbourne when Haas F1 makes their debut in the Series during the weekend of March 20.
Image courtesy: Haas F1
