Ousted Formula 1 driver Esteban Gutierrez has described his switch to Formula E as a ‘radical decision’.
The Mexican announced that he would be driving in this season’s Mexican ePrix yesterday, in the hope of securing a full-time drive for the 2017/18 season.
It followed the decision from Haas F1 to drop him at the end of last season in favour of Kevin Magnussen.
And despite describing the move as a positive step, Gutierrez also said that it was a big bet due to the competitiveness of the series.
Speaking to Motorsport.com, he said, “It’s a radical decision. There are great drivers. It’s a very competitive series that gives the drivers very similar car.
“It’s a great experience, it’s fun races. To me it’s a very important step in my career. It’s a radical decision and a big bet for my future.
“I see this decision as a very positive step. Personally I’m very happy about having the chance to be a part of Formula E.
“I have no doubt that we will achieve many things together. It has a great potential to grow,”
Question marks still remain over what outfit he will drive for, with several spaces being available due to the clash between the Mexican ePrix and the WEC that weekend.
The rumoured option at the moment is that he will replace Loic Duval at FF Dragon Racing, but Gutierrez said that they were one of just six available options.
“It’s not confirmed yet that I will race with Dragon, it’s just one of the possibilities,” he said.
“We are evaluating it and there are another five options. We’ll decide where we are going in the new few weeks. We want to be fighting for the top positions.”
When asked if his move to Formula E had ruled out a return to Formula 1, the Mexican said that there was still a possibility of combining both.
He said, “At the moment I’m committed to Formula E. There are possibilities in Formula 1 to complement Formula E.
“I’m open to doing anything that’s good for my career. There are a few options we are working on.”
