Grosjean's fate at Haas to be decided 'after the summer'

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Guenther Steiner isn't giving any clear indication about Haas' driver line-up for 2019, although Kevin Magnussen looks almost certain to keep his seat with the US outfit next year.

The Dane is in his fourth F1 season and performing well, with several incisive points-scoring performances pleading in his favor.

Steiner believes Magnussen has found with Haas a good environment in which to blossom, contrary to his previous spells at McLaren and Renault.

"For this we must thank Gene Haas," he told France's Auto Hebdo.

"Gene likes to give people space to act and think, which helps Kevin."

On the other side of the Haas garage however, Romain Grosjean - a veteran of 134 Grands Prix - has endured a troubled year, marked by a blend of mistakes and bad luck that could negatively weigh on the team's driver choice for 2019.

"I don't want to talk about the future," Steiner insisted.

"We will study this question after the summer break.

"I have a lot of respect for Romain on a human level. Who would have taken the risk of joining us three years ago? He believed in us and our project," he added.

Drivers beating down the doors at Haas for 2019 seat

Whether Grosjean's loyalty will be enough for him to secure a fourth year with Haas is unsure, with many drivers apparently knocking on the team's door vying for the coveted drive.

Force India's Sergio Perez has been mentioned as Grosjean's possible replacement, but so has the mercurial Charles Leclerc who could move from one Ferrari-supported team - Sauber - to another should the Scuderia decide to extend Kimi Raikkonen's lease with the house of Maranello.

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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.