Grosjean: Haas' hazy F1 future is 'elephant in the room'

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Romain Grosjean believes his fate for 2021 in F1 is largely contingent on the Haas F1 Team's own future in the sport which the Frenchman has called "the elephant in the room".

Haas owner Gene Haas still hasn't committed to keeping his team racing in F1 next season, nor he yet obliged to do so as the US outfit - like all F1 teams - has not yet signed the sport's new Concorde Agreement.

Grosjean's contract with Haas logically runs out at the end of the season, and the 34-year-old admits that a cloud of uncertainty is hovering over his future.

"There are a lot of question marks here," Grosjean said in Hungary on Thursday.

"Let's get rid of the elephant in the room. Is Haas going to be here next year or not? That's obviously the question.

"What are the other places are available? Obviously the market got shaken up quite quickly this year with the Ferrari announcement and the following things, so we'll see what the opportunities are.

"Personally, I'll see also what I'd like to do, and what I feel like doing in the future. Looking a little bit, but also not rushing everything, and seeing how things are going."

Magnussen not 'nervous' about F1 future with Haas

Regarding Gene Haas plans for 2021, Grosjean could not offer any insight into where his team owner currently stands when it comes to the future.

"The decision hasn't been made I believe, there's nothing to be said," commented the Frenchman.

"Obviously in the end Gene knows the answer, I guess, or doesn't know but will tell the answer at one point.

"Until that point I can't really give you any direction. I hope for F1 that Haas will be on the grid next year.

"Out of all the new teams that came to F1, it's obviously the one that was the most successful, the most solid baseline, so there's definitely a place for Haas in F1.

"But again, I'm not the one taking the decision. Time will tell."

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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.