Steiner: Haas open to entirely new F1 driver line-up for 2021
Haas boss Guenther Steiner says “everything is possible” for his team’s driver line-up for the 2021 Formula 1 season, including replacing both Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen.
The American-based squad is set to switch focus onto its driver line-up for next season after committing to stay in F1 beyond 2020 having signed up to the sport’s new Concorde Agreement.
Grosjean and Magnussen have been ever-present in Haas’ line-up since the start of 2017, but Steiner has refused to rule out the possibility that his team could end up making wholesale changes for 2021.
Nico Hulkenberg has been linked to Haas following his brief comeback at the Silverstone double-header with Racing Point, whose own driver line-up for 2021 remains subject to much speculation.
A switch to the Silverstone-based outfit for Sebastian Vettel when it rebrands to Aston Martin could potentially put Sergio Perez on the market, while Haas also highly regards its two test and development drivers - Formula 2 frontrunner Louis Deletraz and Pietro Fittipaldi.
"We are looking at everything," Steiner said ahead of this weekend’s Belgian Grand Prix.
"We are looking at all the drivers, and we haven't made the decision. I'm not trying to be evasive. We just got the Concorde [Agreement] done and I did not speak with Gene [Haas, team owner] about drivers yet.
"I want his input on the drivers, so that will come soon. As soon as he can make it to a race we will sit down and discuss it.
"But at the moment, everything is on the table from keeping the drivers we have got, to getting two rookies. So if you want the seat you can apply for it! Everything is possible in the moment.”
Grosjean stressed he has not opened talks about his future at the team yet, but remains hopeful of staying with Haas for a sixth successive campaign.
"I think there aren't that many seats available on the grid,” he said. “It's great news that Haas stays in Formula 1 and obviously gives a bit more opportunity.
"I guess the talks are going to happen at some stage. Right now, to be 100% honest, with the triple-headers and everything, we're just focused on racing and trying to get the best we can.”
Teammate Magnussen explained he too is yet to open negotiations and was waiting on confirmation of Haas’ own future plans.
"It's been a busy time lately with all the triple-headers, and there's another one now,” he added. “There hasn't been any good reason to start talking drivers when the team's future has been the main point to sort out.
"I expect there will start to be some talks from now on at some point, but we'll see about that."
