Haas confirmed that Antonio Giovinazzi will join the team for FP1 in Italy and the United States.
Haas revealed on Monday that Giovinazzi, who is currently one of Ferrari reserve drivers, will be behind the wheel of the VF-22 car in the opening free practice session in Italy and the United States.
Both Kevin Magnussen and Mick Schumacher will give their seats to the Italian. Giovinazzi’s outings do not count as rookie ones.
“We’re happy to welcome Antonio Giovinazzi back to the team for the two FP1 outings,” Haas team principal Guenther Steiner commented on the announcement.
“Ferrari were keen to give Antonio some seat time in a current-spec Formula 1 car on a race weekend and we were naturally happy to assist.
“We enjoyed a similar situation back in 2017 with Antonio and Ferrari – the clear difference between then and now is the experience he’ll have gained competing for the previous three seasons in Formula 1 and the feedback he’ll be able to give us in Italy and America. I’m looking forward to seeing Antonio again and having him back in the paddock with us.”
“I’m so glad to have the chance to drive again in official F1 sessions,” Giovinazzi said.
“Besides simulator driving, it is important to test a true car and I can’t wait to put my suit and helmet back on. It’ll be an opportunity to get confident with the new generation cars – it’s the best way to be ready if I were called as reserve driver.
“Driving on challenging and exciting tracks as Monza and COTA makes it even more thrilling. Thanks to Haas F1 Team and Scuderia Ferrari – I’m looking forward to giving my contribution to the team that counted on me already in 2017.”
