Categories: F1 News, Reports and Race ResultsHaas F1 Team

Steiner hints at Gutierrez as likely choice for Haas seat

The new American Haas F1 Team, which is set to join Formula 1's ranks next season, has dropped its strongest hint yet that former Sauber driver and current Ferrari test driver Esteban Gutierrez is the most likely man to partner recently-signed Romain Grosjean in 2016.

While Haas revealed that it would not be making an announcement this weekend in Austin regarding its second driver, team principal Gunter Steiner, when asked what type of driver his team was looking for, outlined a profile which perfectly lines up with the young Mexican's credentials.

"Someone who has driven an F1 car, of the current generation, money is always important because it costs a lot of money, and North America is a nice place for a driver to come from.," Steiner said.

Esteban Gutierrez is rumored to have retained the support and backing of his Mexican sponsors which brought him his Sauber seat for two seasons while his association with Ferrari blends well with Haas' own technical partnership with Maranello.

Team owner Gene Haas confirmed to F1i in Monza that Gutierrez was set to drive for the team in 2016 season as Ferrari's preferred choice.

Technical analysis: Exclusive pictures of the 2015 Honda power unit

Click here for the F1 drivers' girlfriends gallery

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

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.