Haas approaching driver decision deadline - Ocon an option

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Haas' Guenther Steiner says the US outfit will likely decide its 2019 driver line-up in the next two weeks, with Esteban Ocon considered to be an option.

On the back of Charles Leclerc's signing with Ferrari, Haas has engaged in the process of finalizing its situation on the driver front.

While Kevin Magnussen is practically guaranteed to retain his seat, there still may be some doubt over Romain Grosjean's drive although the Frenchman's results of late have gone along way towards reviving his luster with Haas;

"Two weeks is over in Japan and it will be within them. It will be within them," said Steiner.

However, the Italian team manager acknowledged his interest in Esteban Ocon but also fellow Mercedes protégé George Russell.

Ocon urges fans to be 'respectful' towards Lance Stroll

Steiner made clear however that the pair's allegiance to Mercedes was a deterrent to their potential hiring by Haas, unless the German manufacturer acts to make it happen.

"You always consider because they are both good drivers," Steiner added.

"But then again we need to look after ourselves and I think the problem is for Mercedes [to solve].

"They [Mercedes] have too much talent and now they need to find a way to solve that problem. Why should that be a problem for the other people?

"It’s a good problem to have and they need to solve that one themselves."

Looking to the future, Steiner revealed that he would continue talks with Pietro Fittipaldi, aiming to perhaps offer the Brazilian the development and testing role initially planned with the team before the driver's accident at Spa last spring in which he broke both legs.

"I spoke with Pietro actually last week," said the Haas boss.

"He’s doing good now, he feels comfortable with no pain and now we started again to maybe do tests at the end of the year.

"We haven’t come to a conclusion yet. He’s in Europe at the moment and we [re]started the dialogue at the airport actually.

"We said we will speak again after Japan when we are both back in the States."

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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.