Arjun Maini has joined the Haas F1 Team as a development driver for the 2017 season, joining the already confirmed Santino Ferrucci at the American outfit.
The Indian teenager, who is competing in the GP3 Series with Jenzer Motorsport this season having finished tenth in the championship last year, and as part of his role with Haas, he will attend races and tests with the team as well as running in their simulator.
And with the testing regulations as they are, there is a chance that one or both of the development drivers could be called upon to test at either the post-Hungarian Grand Prix or post-Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tests in 2017.
“It’s an honour to be a part of Haas F1 Team’s driver development program,” said Maini. “All of my racing to date has been with the focus of becoming a Formula 1 driver, and this opportunity puts me one step closer to my goal.
I am eager to learn, understand and experience how a Formula 1 team operates. Everything I learn can be used immediately in GP3 while preparing for my ultimate goal of Formula 1.”
Team Principal Guenther Steiner insists it is important to look out for future talents of the sport, and as such signing Maini was a very important step for the Haas F1 Team.
“As Haas F1 Team continues to mature, we must look toward our future and develop potential talent,” said Steiner.
“Arjun was successful in karting and has transitioned well to various Formula series and now GP3. We’ll keep a keen eye on his progress this year.”
