Haas seeking 2021-22 continuity for future driver line-up

Haas team boss Guenther Steiner is open to changing the US outfit's driver line-up for 2021 but says any decision will be based on continuity for 2022.

The contracts of both Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean expire at the end of this season which opens the door for an overhaul of Haas' line-up.

While all options are on the table, including the possibility of hiring a rookie for 2021, Steiner isn't in a hurry to nominate its future line-up.

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"It’s been a strange year, let’s call it the COVID year, it’s changed everything, it’s changed all the timelines," Steiner said.

"We are not in a hurry. It’s better to think a little bit more and make the right decision, even if the perfect decision goes away.

"But we need to do it properly and see what we’re going to do. We’ve got two good drivers at the moment and we can always fall back on them, I guess. Everything is on the table for next year."

However, Steiner insists that whoever ends up racing for Haas in 2021 will preferably also be in the team for 2022 when F1 introduces its new regulations.

"The only thing that I would like and I will discuss it with Gene [Haas] in the next weeks and months how we do it best and see what fits for us,” Steiner said.

"But one thing, in my opinion we need to do, whoever is in the car in ’21 should be in the car for ’22.

"With the new car coming, if you know the driver at least you’ve sorted something out.

"Even if it’s the guys who are now in, if they stay, they should stay for at least the next two years. I’m against swapping for ’22 with the new car, new driver, that could be difficult."

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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.