Giuliano Alesi, son of former Ferrari driver Jean Alesi, made his debut in a Formula 1 car when he took to the track in the 2018 Ferrari SF71H to begin the team’s five days of testing at Fiorano. Temperatures were close to freezing when Giuliano drove out of the pits more than 30 years after his father first tested for the famous Italian outfit. And with Jean watching on with excitement, it was a special occasion for the Alesi family as 22-year-old Giuliano sported the same number 28 that was on his father’s car for the 1991 Formula 1 season. "I’d like to thank Ferrari and the FDA [Ferrari Driver Academy] for this fantastic opportunity today," Giulano said. "To be able to get in the cockpit of the SF71H was incredibly exciting as was driving the car on track with my father watching and sporting the same race number he used. "In terms of handling, that car is not too difficult to drive, but the power was surprising and never seems to end. The immediacy and efficiency of the braking is also impressive. This test was the best way possible for me to bid farewell. Now a new adventure awaits me in Asia and I can’t wait for it to start." Elsewhere, Formula 2 driver Marcus Armstrong also made his debut in a Formula 1 car, calling it a “special day”, while Robert Schwartzman said it was a “privilege” to get back behind the wheel of an F1 car as he completed the day’s running. Both Armstrong and Schwartzman will compete in Formula 2 again this year.
Most read
