Haas retains Maini as second F1 development driver

Arjun Maini will continue as a development driver for the Haas Formula 1 team for a second successive season during 2018.

The 20-year-old is paired alongside Trident Formula 2 teammate Santino Ferrucci, with the American driver confirmed as remaining in his role behind current full-time drivers Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen for a third straight year on Wednesday.

Maini graduates to F2 in 2018 after finishing ninth in last year’s GP3 championship with a total of 72 points. In a breakthrough sophomore campaign with Jenzer Motorsport, the Indian racer recorded his first victory in the series in Barcelona, claiming a further podium with a third-place finish in the Abu Dhabi season-finale. 

“I’m extremely proud to be a part of Haas F1 Team,” Maini said. “Being involved with an F1 program has really accelerated my learning in terms of what I need to do on the racetrack and with my engineers. 

“In fact, it’s already helped me transition from GP3 to F2. I’m one step closer to my goal of competing in Formula 1 thanks to Haas F1 Team’s support.”

Haas team principal Günther Steiner, added: “Arjun enjoyed a breakout season in GP3 last year and we’re keeping a close watch on his progress this year in F2.

“He has a history of finding success at every level in which he’s competed and we’re supportive of his efforts as he steps up to F2.”