Fittipaldi: 'Everything you want in a race car, F1 has it'

The name fittipaldi is officially back in F1. After Emerson, double world champion in the 70s, then Christian in the 90s, it is the turn of Peter, grandson of Emerson to discover F1 within the Haas F1 Team.

The former World Series Formula V8 champion, who also passed through IndyCar Series, made his first laps in the outfit of reserve driver of the Gene Haas team. Despite an electrical fault on the Power Unit Ferrari, and a change of block causing a loss of time on the track, the Brazilian was able to accumulate 56 laps yesterday on the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

“[Regarding my name], I don’t think it’s pressure, admits Pietro Fittipaldi as he gets off his car VF18. It’s a real privilege to have this family who supports me. There is always pressure. I like to run, I want to do well, win races and championships. No one can put more pressure on me than I put on myself.

J’ai eu l’opportunité de piloter, surtout l’année passée, plusieurs voitures dans différents championnats. C’étaient des voitures à forts appuis, cela m’a aidé. J’ai testé la Porsche LM P1. C’est assez similaire dans certains aspects à la F1, avec beaucoup d’adhérence et beaucoup de puissance, surtout en sortie de virage avec 1000 ch sur les quatre roues motrices.

These different experiences, with IndyCar or Super Formula, gave me a certain background. I adapted well to F1. It took me a run to get comfortable. The car is incredible. It's the best car I've ever driven. Everything you want in a race car, F1 has it.

The team did a fantastic job replacing what needed to be replaced and getting the car ready for me to return to the track. We did more than 50 laps. I think initially we planned to ride more. We tested the 2018 tires from Pirelli, then those from 2019, which allowed us to have a comparison which is really important for the team, which can then start working next year. »

Pietro Fittipaldi has also indicated that he will not be involved full-time in IndyCar in 2019. “We are looking for next year, comments the young Auriverde pilot. Of course I want to race next year, the team does too. I find a championship that does not “clash” with Formula 1. IndyCar has been excluded. »