Former Marussia racer Max Chilton says he “would love the chance” to secure one of the two Haas F1 team seats for 2016, but admits this is a long shot.

The US outfit is set to enter the sport next year and team principal Guenther Steiner recently claimed that he wants to secure the squad’s line-up by September.

Although Chilton confirmed to Sky Sports that he “has had a few chats” with Haas, the Briton remains aware of its strong technical partnership with Ferrari, which somehow limits his leverage in the negotiations.

“I’ve definitely put my door through the door,” said the 24-year-old. “They came out a few weeks ago, saying they were talking to 10 drivers, so I’m definitely one of those. I’d love the chance.

“But I have a strong feeling that this is going to be one young Ferrari driver, because it’s hugely a Ferrari project. They’ve got Ferrari engine, they’re using that wind tunnel.”

In his latest Haas F1 team update, Steiner also revealed that the new entrants were favouring experience over outright speed in their selection process. Having spent two seasons in F1, Chilton, who is racing in both LPM1 and Indy Lights this year, argues that he can fit the bill in that respect but equally keeps his feet on the ground.

“I hear they want an experienced driver. I’d like to think I am an experienced driver but if they want a really experienced one, I think there’s only a certain number of drivers on that grid they can ask.

“It could be Hulkenberg. I can’t see Jenson [Button] going there but I can’t see many experienced drivers that are free for next year. I’d like to think I’ve got a chance but it’s probably not going to happen.”

Chilton is the latest name linked to Haas' current shortlist, along with Ferrari test and reserve drivers Esteban Gutierrez and Jean-Eric Vergne, reigning Le Mans 24 Hours champion and Force India racer Nico Hulkenberg, and US multiple GP2 race winner Alexander Rossi.

Click here for F1i's driver ratings after the Belgian Grand Prix at Spa-Francorchamps. 

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

2 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

3 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

5 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

7 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

8 hours ago

Hamilton’s woes deepen after battling ‘plank of wood’ car in Brazil

Despite his best efforts, a lowly tenth-place finish was as good as it got for…

9 hours ago