Haas F1 Team founder and chairman Gene Haas has confirmed Esteban Gutierrez as his second driver in the 2016 Formula One World Championship.

Gutierrez will race alongside driver Romain Grosjean, who was previously announced by Haas on Sept. 29.

"I got to know Esteban through our relationship with Ferrari, and after looking at the success he's had to earn his role there, it became clear he was an excellent choice for our race team," said Haas. "He's young and hungry, but not inexperienced. His two years running a full F1 schedule has given him some very good race experience, and having spent this season at Ferrari as their third driver allowed him to see firsthand the methodology that makes Ferrari such a power in Formula One.

"We're very happy to have Esteban as a part of our race team. Between him and Romain, we have a strong driver lineup that will help us develop our car and, ultimately, score some points in our inaugural season."

Gutierrez will get his first drive with Haas during the pre-season test (Feb 22-25) at Circuit de Catalunya. A second test at Barcelona takes place March 1-4 before the season-opening Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

"This is an excellent opportunity that builds on my time with Ferrari and I will make the most of it," said Gutierrez. "Gene Haas believes in me and I believe in how he's going about competing in Formula One. To have a race seat in a competitive car with Ferrari power is very special, and I appreciate the faith he has in me. I trust we'll be able to achieve great things together."

"All along we said we were looking for experienced drivers, and we have that with Romain and Esteban," said team principal Guenther Steiner. "Romain has more starts, but Esteban has a deep knowledge of Ferrari and how they do things. He's learned from the best in his role as their third driver, which means he knows how they've developed their current cars. He's been a big part of that and he'll be a big part in the development of our cars at Haas."

"Tonight, we are particularly proud of the Telmex and Telcel Racing Team, not only for Mexican motor racing, but for sport in general in our country," said Carlos Slim Domit, president of the Telmex-Telcel Racing Team. "Today, we can confirm the talent and the experience of Esteban Gutierrez with his continuing career in Formula One as an official driver for Haas F1 Team, with whom we feel very happy to start a new adventure."

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1. Posted by 4SQUARETYRES, 05/11/2015 18:17

"It may be an American team but if there is no American that can do it then an experienced driver is best for now. Stakes are too high to just throw someone in and pray he does well as for some American talent yes there is but do you want to succeed in this sport or fizz away in three years. "

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2. Posted by mike, 31/10/2015 15:19

"Thought this was an American Team? In a Country of 350 Million you can't find 1 American driver......Very Dissapointed Haas ...I guess this is really just Ferrari's Jr Team....."

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Official: Haas confirms Gutierrez as second driver

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