Haas F1 signing Esteban Gutierrez has eye on future with Ferrari

One of the worst-kept secrets in F1 was finally revealed on Friday in Mexico City when Gutierrez was confirmed as Haas's second driver alongside Romain Grosjean.

Ferrari's test and reserve driver is already being linked with a return to the Scuderia, potentially as early as 2017 should the team opt not to renew Kimi Raikkonen's contract, or the Finn calls it a day.

"It's going to be a very exciting season, and yes, it provides many opportunities for the future in a natural way," said Gutierrez.

"First of all I will focus to really achieve what we want to achieve in our first season, and after that we will see what other opportunities come up next.

"But I think we will have a good and long-lasting relationship between all of us.

"What's next for me is something amazing and my position right now is really good to achieve great things."

After two difficult years with Sauber in 2013 and 2014, Gutierrez made the decision to leave the team and take up his current role with Ferrari.

Although on the sidelines and not in a race seat this year, Gutierrez claims it has been an invaluable experience, in particular watching two world champions in Raikkonen and Sebastian Vettel at work.

"If I give you the complete list of the things I've learned we would be here for a long time," added Gutierrez.

"Having the time to perceive the way they work and how different they are, two world champions, very successful drivers, it allows me to learn the good things from each of them.

"So I take all the good parts and use them for my own experience."

Gutierrez has also taken on board as much technical information as possible, in particular with Haas to use a Ferrari engine, transmission and other parts.

"I have two years' experience of [driving in] F1, and I also know how a team works," said Gutierrez.

"This past year has been very significant with Ferrari, learning from the side how it works

"I've seen the development of the engine, the transmission, and the car in general terms.

"As we [Haas] have engine and transmission, the information I have is going to be very beneficial to Haas."