Louis Deletraz to Test for Haas F1 at Pirelli Tire Test in Abu Dhabi

By Luis Torres, Staff Writer

Formula 2 driver Louis Deletraz of Switzerland will get the opportunity of a lifetime, test driving for the Haas F1 Team in a two-day Pirelli Tire Test at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi Nov. 27-28.

Supported by the ADSS Group, the test will be held two days after the Formula One World Championship finale, and will also serve as a Haas F1’s sponsor that weekend.

In order to get used to the team personnel and operations, the son of three-time F1 race starter Jean-Denis Deletraz, will spend time preparing for the tire test in the final two rounds, beginning in the Brazilian Grand Prix at Interlagos next weekend Nov. 9-11.

The second generation talent said this opportunity is a great way to wrap up his season that’s been defined as a proving ground and thankful that Haas F1 and ADSS Group are giving him a shot to lay the foundation for next year’s tire lineup, which has been narrowed down to three compounds (soft, medium and hard).

“I’m naturally very excited to make my Formula One debut testing in Abu Dhabi,” said Delétraz. “I’m grateful to both Gene Haas (team owner) and Guenther Steiner (team principal) for giving me the opportunity to test with Haas F1 Team. I’m equally appreciative of ADSS Group’s support in what is another key step in my overall goal of becoming a Formula One driver.

“It’s the perfect way to end my 2018 season, one in which I’ve continued to develop and showcase my credentials. I’m looking forward to spending time with Haas F1 Team in Brazil and Abu Dhabi prior to driving the VF-18. I’m sure it will be a memorable experience as I work with the team running Pirelli’s 2019 tire line-up.”

Steiner described Deletraz as a determined racer throughout his career, more notably this season in a competitive F2 grid, highlighted with two runner-up finishes in both sprint races at Monaco and Circuit Paul Ricard.

“This is a good opportunity for Louis Delétraz to progress his racing career and it’s always a special occasion earning your debut in a Formula One car,” said the Team Principal of Haas F1 Team.

“He has enjoyed a solid 2018 season competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, amidst possibly one of the strongest fields in recent years. We look forward to welcoming Louis into the team along with ADSS Group at their home Grand Prix. I’m sure he will acquit himself with the same drive and determination that has brought him success throughout his career to-date.”

Deletraz currently sits 11th in points, an improvement from his rookie season when he finished 17th in the final standings. The F2 doubleheader finale will be held in Abu Dhabi Nov. 23-25. Prior of making the jump to F2, the Geneva native has had a stellar career. The 21-year-old won the 2015 Formula Renault 2.0 NEC, scoring nine victories and 12 podiums in 16 races. That same season, he also competed in the Eurocup Formula Renault 2.0, winning three races including two straight wins at the Ciudad del Motor de Aragon in Spain.

The following season, Deletraz moved up to the Fromula V8 3.5 Series, where he won in his debut in Aragon, and went on to win again at the second race in Paul Ricard. He finished second in a championship campaign that featured future IndyCar Series drivers Rene Binder, Alfonso Celis, Jr., and Pietro Fittipaldi, beating all three competitors.