Deletraz gets maiden F1 test with Haas
Haas will hand Formula 2 racer Louis Deletraz his first Formula 1 run in the post-season test in Abu Dhabi later this month.
Photo by: FIA Formula 2
The Swiss racer, son of former F1 driver Jean-Denis, will pilot the team's current-spec VF-18 on the second day of the three-day test, which is run by tyre supplier Pirelli.
“I’m naturally very excited to make my Formula One debut testing in Abu Dhabi,” Deletraz said. “I’m grateful to both Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner for giving me the opportunity to test with Haas F1 Team.
“It’s the perfect way to end my 2018 season, one in which I’ve continued to develop and showcase my credentials.”
A former champion of Formula Renault 2.0's Northern European Cup, as well as runner-up in the two-litre Eurocup series and the now-defunct 3.5-litre category, Deletraz is currently contesting his second full season in F2.
The 21-year-old, who was formerly part of Renault's young driver programme, has been racing for the Ferrari Driver Academy-affiliated Charouz team this campaign, and sits 11th in the standings after scoring two reverse-grid podiums.
“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 1 car,” said team boss Gunther Steiner.
“He has enjoyed a solid 2018 season competing in the FIA Formula 2 Championship, amidst possibly one of the strongest fields in recent years.”
Deletraz will be embedded with the team for the two final rounds of the F1 season in Brazil and Abu Dhabi.
The team has his fellow F2 racers Arjun Maini and Santino Ferrucci on the books as development drivers, with both sat well below Deletraz in the standings – although Ferrucci's campaign had ended early as he was sacked by his F2 team following a Silverstone incident with Maini.
Santino Ferrucci, Haas VF-17
Photo by: Sutton Images
Be part of Motorsport community
Join the conversationShare Or Save This Story
WTCR's April opener cancelled due to coronavirus
Australian GP issues update on nine F1 paddock coronavirus tests
The harsh realities of being an F1 outcast
“Not much left” in WTR Andretti’s Acura at Daytona – Albuquerque
Upsized WTR Andretti squad quickly “gelling” in Daytona test
Wayne Taylor Racing will be “stronger” with second Acura GTP car in IMSA 2024
How Haas delivered its F1 "game changer"
Hulkenberg: Japan F1 GP fightback was "half a miracle" for Haas
Why Sargeant was merely collateral in F1's fierce fight for sixth
How real-time scrutineering ensures fair and consistent competition in motorsport
The day Button scored his 'best F1 win'... until next time!
New compound to thwart Porsche’s inspired Long Beach ‘no tires’ call
Surging Chase Briscoe says a win "is right around the corner"
Why F1 2026 worst-case fears could be key to new rules success
How the F1 driver market situation sits for each team with 2025 openings
What's been going wrong for Leclerc in F1's tiny margins qualifying game
What the Chinese GP's highlights reveal about its first F1 race for five years
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments