Fittipaldi disappointed with Haas decision: "As a racer at heart, it hurts"

Pietro Fittipaldi will act in the second and final winter test as a replacement for Nikita Mazepin, who is no longer welcome at the Haas team after the split with Uralkali. However, Fittipaldi will not stay on as a regular driver: he must leave that honour to Kevin Magnussen. The Brazilian admits that this is painful for him, but can understand the decision.

Following the termination of Mazepin's contract and Uralkali's sponsorship deal, Haas had to look for a new driver just before the start of the Formula One season. Team boss Gunther Steiner initially said that reserve driver Fittipaldi would be called up first, but the team announced on Wednesday that Magnussen had been chosen.

Fittipaldi understands 'painful' decision Haas

Although Fittipaldi understands the decision to contract a more experienced driver, the Brazilian admits that it is disappointing that he is missing out on the Formula One seat. He was told by Steiner that there were two candidates and that he was one of them, but also that the preference was for Magnussen.

Fittipaldi, who came into action as a replacement in 2020 after Romain Grosjean's accident, says he respects that decision. At the same time, he can't hide his disappointment. "As a racer at heart, it hurts," he says according to Motorsport.com.

For his dedication to the team, it doesn't change anything for Fittipaldi, who in his own words "already had to endure a lot of setbacks" in his career. All he can do now is work even harder and wait for his next opportunity, as he does not see his story ending here yet.