Esteban Gutierrez is confident in his abilities ahead of his return to the Formula One Championship despite not racing in over a year.
Gutierrez will drive for Haas F1 during the 2016 season following the loss of his Sauber seat at the end of the 2014 season. Despite losing his seat Gutierrez didn’t slip away from Formula One, he stayed in people’s minds as he spent the 2015 season as Ferrari’s reserve driver.
He only drove the Ferrari in two practice sessions last season but despite his lack of experience the Mexican is confident he can do a job and impress when he is back in the car.
“I’m not concerned because I have prepared myself in the best way that I could, with the tools I had,” he said.
“So I think when you optimise your preparation based on what you can get, I’m confident that I can go back to racing with no problem.”
Gutierrez claims he does not see joining Haas as a stepping stone towards a drive with a bigger team like Ferrari as many have suggested. He is just confident that himself and Haas F1 will succeed.
“I’m very committed to Haas, to the project,” he said. “I have a big trust and belief on the project. And I want to make the best out of this opportunity.
“As long as we can work together, it will be the same mentality.
“So let’s see what comes up in the future. Obviously I want to get to a winning level. It really doesn’t matter which team it is, but I want to be winning in the near future.”
When asked if he believed he could shine with Haas, he said: “Yes, I do believe that.”
Gutierrez will partner French driver Romain Grosjean after the Frenchman apparently recommend Gutierrez to the Haas owner and team boss.
