Pietro Fittipaldi Q&A: São Paulo Grand Prix

Although born in Miami, you race under the Brazilian flag. It’s a country with such racing prestige and has produced three World Champions, one whom you share a surname with. How does it feel to be a part of Formula 1’s Brazilian contingency?

“I’m very proud and very happy to be representing Brazil in racing, as well as being a part of a family who has so much history in racing – with my grandad in Formula 1, my cousin Christian, my uncle as well – Max Papis – and my brother. For me, it’s a big honor – to have the Fittipaldi name on my helmet and car as well, I’ve always been very proud of it. 

“People always ask if pressure comes with the name, but I think nobody can put more pressure than I put on myself because I want to win races and championships, and I think the name and the family that I have around me can only be helpful and positive.”

It’s a track that has hosted many championship showdowns in its time, what racing memories do you have from the Brazilian Grand Prix?

“The first Brazilian GP I went to was in 2006, but the one I remember, and it’s a sad memory, was 2008. I was there with my brother and we were watching the race from the Paddock Club. Everyone was obviously cheering for Massa and thought that he had won the championship as we were watching the screens and we saw his car had gone past, he had won the race. We saw his family celebrating, so everyone started celebrating and then a couple of seconds later we realized he had lost. It was a massive moment of excitement with a massive downfall. There weren’t many happy Brazilians, but I remember that as if it happened yesterday. 

“The other memory I have is with Haas in 2018 when we announced that I was going to be testing the car for the first time and being a part of the team. That’s a good memory I have of Interlagos. 

“I raced at Interlagos this year for the first time in a Porsche Cup race. I was subbing for Nelson Piquet Jr. so that was pretty cool. When you come down the tunnel and into the track, there’s a massive painting on Senna so you can see the history as soon as you enter the track. When you race on it, the simulator is actually very similar to the real thing. I’ve done so many laps on the simulator that when I got out on track for the first time, it felt like I had been racing there for years.”

You’ve been a part of the Haas family since 2018, first driving in the post-season test. How has your role evolved of the years and what are your thoughts on the new set of regulations for 2022? 

“I’ve been with the team since 2018 – so I’ve got to test the 2018 and 2019 car and I got to race the 2020 car. I haven’t tested this car as due to COVID, there haven’t been any in-season tests and there is limited pre-season testing. 

“For me, it’s exciting, it’s different. You get to drive a new era of Formula 1. If I get the chance to test the car next season, that will be exciting as no one knows what it’s going to be like. Everyone’s saying it’s going to be harder to drive, less aero, with cars moving around more, so you will only be able to tell once you get behind the wheel. As a driver, you always want new challenges. 

“I think I’m one of those drivers who has driven the biggest number of different cars in the world – the only thing I haven’t done is rally or ice driving. I’ve raced Formula 1, NASCAR, IndyCar, I’ve driven Formula E, Porsche LMP1, Super Formula, DTM, Brazilian Stockcar, GT, so to add the new era of Formula 1 would be pretty cool.”

 

The Brazilian Grand Prix can’t be discussed without mentioning the fans, who really live every second of the race on track with the drivers. Have you felt that warmth?  

“Brazilian fans are huge. When I made by debut last season in Bahrain and we weren’t able to have fans at track, I was getting so many messages on social media with so much support from Brazilians. They were happy to finally have a Brazilian back on track in Formula 1. I see that as well with the drivers in junior categories, Brazilians want another Brazilian driver back on the grid. I believe the race for this weekend is sold out and I can’t wait for the day when a Brazilian finishes on the podium or wins the race in Interlagos – it will be a huge moment.”