Haas F1's reserve driver leaves for full-time IndyCar Series seat in 2024

Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing (RLL) has announced the acquisition of Haas F1 Team's reserve and test driver, Pietro Fittipaldi, for a full-time campaign in the 2024 NTT IndyCar Series season.

The third-generation racing personnel, with a decorated history in open-wheel championships and a remarkable track record in world endurance racing, will commandeer the No. 30 entry.

Fittipaldi, no stranger to the IndyCar circuit, reenters the series after previously making nine starts in 2018 and 2021 for Dale Coyne Racing.

Details regarding the sponsorship for Fittipaldi's No. 30 entry are slated to be disclosed at a later date, but the anticipation surrounding the partnership is palpable.

Fittipaldi has been serving his tenure as Haas' official test and reserve driver since 2019. Although there has been no official word about his future with the Haas F1 Team, the prospect of juggling responsibilities in both Formula 1 and IndyCar appears improbable, suggesting a new chapter for the driver.

The 2023 season saw Fittipaldi actively engaged in the World Endurance Championship (WEC), a campaign that dovetailed seamlessly with the limited number of races in this category.

However, the transition to a demanding IndyCar schedule will present a distinct challenge. The intensified calendar and dynamic nature of the series will undoubtedly test the mettle of Pietro Fittipaldi, promising edge-of-the-seat action for spectators.

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Haas reserve Pietro Fittipaldi, RLL co-owner Bobby Rahal react to the move

Reacting to the pivotal career move, Fittipaldi conveyed his gratitude and excitement in an official statement via NBC Sports. The Haas reserve driver said:

"It’s an honor to join a team of the caliber of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing. With the experience I’ve gained over the last few years in F1 and other racing series, I am looking forward to the challenge of racing in IndyCar, one of the most competitive and versatile racing series in the world. I want to thank Mr. Rahal, Mr. Lanigan, and Mr. Letterman for the opportunity and their trust and confidence in me. I can’t wait to get started."

On the other hand, Bobby Rahal, the Co-Owner of Rahal Letterman Lanigan Racing, said:

“I’m very pleased that we’ve been able to have Pietro join RLL as the driver of the No. 30 car. He has had previous experience in IndyCar in doing partial seasons... I got to meet him then and since that time he has worked hard to become the reserve driver for Haas F1’s team... I look forward to seeing what he can do over a full season of IndyCar competition in 2024.”