Steiner untroubled by risk of Grosjean suspension... for now

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Guenther Steiner isn’t focused on a potential pitfall lurking in the wings at Haas, with Romain Grosjean just two penalty points away from a one-race ban.

A clumsy move by the Frenchman on the opening lap of the US Grand Prix which resulted in a clash with Sauber’s Charles Leclerc, warranted a three-place grid drop for Mexico, and a penalty point added to his licence.

Grosjean’s tally puts him two points short of the 12-point threshold which, if reached within a 12-month period, triggers a costly race ban.

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However, Steiner believes that until an eventual punishment comes to pass there’s no need to spend any time thinking about who could potentially replace a suspended Grosjean.

"No, I wouldn’t bandage my head before I’ve got a hole in it. When it happens, I deal with it," Steiner said.

"Hopefully it doesn’t happen, but when it happens, if I start to work now on things which could happen, I would have a lot to do, so that’s my opinion about it.

"If it happens, we are pretty well prepared for any eventuality. There are a few people out there I would call up and see if they would drive.

"But I think it will be good."

Formula 1’s sporting regulations pertaining to the 12-month penalty point period mean that Grosjean will drop a point on October 29, bringing his total back to 9.

However, the provision takes nothing away from the fact that he’ll need to be extra-cautious all weekend in Mexico, as F1 race director Charlie Whiting emphasized.

"If he got three on the 28th, I think he would be very silly," Whiting said. "He's got to be very careful on the 28th by the sounds of things."

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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.