GP3 driver Alfonso Celis will be Force India’s development driver for the 2016 Formula One season.
The Mexican will be taking part in seven official practice sessions throughout the year, and will get his first chance to drive a F1 car in the end-of-season Pirelli test in Abu Dhabi.
The 19-year-old spent the 2015 season competing in GP3, where he currently lies in 13th with one podium for the ART Grand Prix team.
He also competed in the Formula Renault 3.5 series and ended the season in 16th with a best finish of fourth.
Ahead of Celis’ debut, Force India’s team principal Vijay Mallya said: “I would like to welcome Alfonso to the team and wish him well ahead of his debut with us in Abu Dhabi,”
“As our development driver we will work hard to prepare him for the demands of driving in Formula One and provide a good grounding in all aspects of the job.”
Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg both had their 2016 race seats confirmed earlier this year and Mallya said: “It’s a fantastic opportunity for Alfonso to learn from Sergio [Perez] and Nico [Hulkenberg], and to get valuable mileage in the car.”
Celis, who will be using the team’s simulator as part of his contract said: “Ever since I started racing I’ve been dreaming of Formula One, so it’s a huge honour to begin working with Sahara Force India.”
“Being on the track in Abu Dhabi will be an incredible feeling.”.
“It’s an amazing opportunity for me to learn about Formula One and to work closely with the engineers and race drivers.”
“It’s going to be the biggest moment in my career and I am fully focussed on doing a good job for the team.”
