Haas has confirmed reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi will replace Romain Grosjean for the Sakhir Grand Prix in Bahrain.
The Frenchman is set to be discharged from hospital on Tuesday, this as treatment continues for burns sustained on both hands following his scary crash on Sunday.
However, following a conversation with team boss Guenther Steiner on Monday, it was decided Grosjean will skip this weekend’s second race at the venue, this time on the high-speed ‘Outer Circuit’.
“After it was decided that the best thing for Romain was to skip at least one race, the choice to put Pietro (Fittipaldi) in the car was pretty easy,” Steiner said in a statement.
“Pietro will drive the VF-20 and he’s familiar with us having been around the team for the past two seasons as a test and reserve driver.
Also Read:
- Haas: Only Grosjean will decide if he races in F1 again
- Grosjean escape a ‘miracle’ as FIA medical team recall ‘very odd scene’
- Brawn: ‘No doubt’ the Halo saved Grosjean but fire was ‘worrying’
“It’s the right thing to do and it’s obviously a good opportunity for him. He’s been patient and was always prepared for this opportunity – and now it has come.
“That’s why we want him in the car and I’m sure he’ll do a good job. It’s very demanding being called in at the last minute, but as I said, I think it’s the right thing to do for Haas F1 Team.”
Fittipaldi, the grandson of former F1 champion Emmerson, admitted the circumstances for his F1 debut were disappointing but vowed to do his best.
“Most importantly I’m happy Romain is safe and healthy,” said the Miami-born Brazilian.
“We’re all very happy his injuries are relatively minor after such a huge incident. Obviously, it’s not an ideal set of circumstances to get my first opportunity to compete in Formula 1, but I’m extremely grateful to Gene Haas and Guenther Steiner for their faith in putting me behind the wheel this weekend.
“I’ve been with the team a lot this season, both trackside and working on simulator sessions, so I’m familiar with the team’s operating procedures on a Grand Prix weekend.
“It’s going to be exciting to make my first career start in Formula 1 – I’ll be giving it my all and I look forward to starting in free practice on Friday in Bahrain.”
There’s no indication yet on if Grosjean will compete in what would be his last race in F1 next weekend in Abu Dhabi.