The 2008 Formula BMW Europe championship title marked a milestone for Esteban Gutiérrez, who at age 17 became the youngest Mexican driver to secure an international racing championship. This early victory set a trajectory that led him through the GP3 and GP2 series before reaching the Formula One grid in 2013.
Early Racing Progression
Born in 1991 in Monterrey, Mexico, Gutiérrez began his karting career in 2004 by participating in the Mexican Rotax Max Challenge. His international exposure increased in 2005 at the Grand Nationals in South Bend, Indiana, where a third-place finish earned him a spot at the World Finals in Malaysia. By 2006, he transitioned to the Camkart Challenge Mexico and expanded his experience in regional championships, laying the groundwork for his eventual transition into single-seater racing.
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Gutiérrez moved into the Formula BMW USA series in 2007, claiming Rookie of the Year honours with four wins and eight podiums. Following this, he joined the 2008 Formula BMW Europe championship, winning the title with 353 points. His career continued to gain momentum in the 2010 GP3 Series, where he dominated the inaugural season with five wins and eight podiums. By 2012, racing for Lotus GP in the GP2 series, he finished third in the championship, distinguishing himself as the first GP3 graduate to reach the top three in the parent category.
Formula One Career
Gutiérrez entered the Formula One paddock as a test and reserve driver for Sauber in 2010. After gaining experience during the 2012 Indian Grand Prix free practice sessions, he was promoted to a full-time race seat for the 2013 season. He competed for Sauber until the end of 2014. Following a stint as a Ferrari test and reserve driver in 2015, he returned to the race grid for the 2016 season with the Haas F1 Team.
Post-Racing Ventures
Beyond his primary driving roles in Formula One, Formula E, and the IndyCar Series, Gutiérrez has remained involved in the motorsport industry. He currently serves as a brand ambassador for Mercedes in Formula One, a role he has held since 2024. Additionally, he founded EDASI Drive, a company that operates as a licensed distributor of Formula One merchandise.
Fast facts
- Born: 1991, Monterrey, Mexico
- Formula One tenure: 2013–2016
- 2010 GP3 Series champion
- 2008 Formula BMW Europe champion
- Former driver for: Sauber, Haas F1 Team
- Current role: Mercedes Formula One brand ambassador
- Founder of: EDASI Drive
- Languages: Spanish, English
Questions readers ask
Which Formula One teams did Esteban Gutiérrez drive for?
He competed for the Sauber Formula One team from 2013 to 2014 and the Haas F1 Team in 2016.
What is Esteban Gutiérrez's current professional focus?
He serves as a brand ambassador for Mercedes in Formula One and manages his company, EDASI Drive.
Achievements
- Represented Haas F1 Team and Mercedes-AMG
- Discipline: auto racing
