Steiner understands Grosjean’s interest in Renault

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner says he understands Romain Grosjean “keeping an eye” on what Renault does upon its return as a fully-fledged F1 team.

The US outfit announced the ex-Lotus ace as its first driver last September at a time when Enstone and the French manufacturer were already in advanced talks about a takeover.

Grosjean himself admitted he would have stayed with his previous squad had Renault moved more quickly in its buyout attempt. What’s more, the Swiss-born racer did not rule out a potential return in the future when recently talking to F1i’s Chris Medland.

Renault finally completed its takeover of Lotus last December, and is currently gearing up to announce more details about its F1 programme at a February 3 press conference.

“I think [Romain] mentioned enough times that he is happy to have joined Haas F1 Team, but by being French he for sure keeps an eye on the Renault team to see how they progress,” Steiner told the official F1 website.

The former Jaguar and Red Bull man previously said that signing Grosjean had boosted Haas’ credibility and been instrumental in creating a bandwagon effect to attract top personnel.

The 29-year-old will partner former Ferrari test driver Esteban Gutierrez during the American team’s maiden F1 season.

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