Haas could call upon Magnussen or Grosjean as super-subs

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Haas team boss Guenther Steiner says the US outfit could call upon Kevin Magnussen or Romain Grosjean should the team find itself in need of a substitute for one of its drivers in 2021.

Haas' line-up this year will consist of rookie Mick Schumacher and Kevin Magnussen, while the team will also have a yet-to-be-named reserve driver standing in the wings at most races just in case.

Both Magnussen and Grosjean will be racing in the US this season, the former taking part in the IMSA WeatherTech Sportscar Championship while the latter is set for a season in the NTT IndyCar Series.

Neither driver can fulfill the role as a reserve for Haas, but Steiner is keeping both his former drivers on speed dial just in case, insisting there are no hard feelings between himself and the two men.

"I wouldn't mind if they are free," Steiner told Motorsport.com. "I think they will be happy to come back as well. I mean, I haven't asked them, but I don't think they have any bad feelings.”

"I actually texted Romain just before, because I had to ask him something, I spoke with Kevin last weekend when he was in Daytona. So I'm very happy for them.

"And as always said, I mean we parted ways, but I think in life, we still work together. There was no fallout. For sure, they weren't happy, but they weren't unhappy. They had a good time, we had a good time.

"All good things come to an end in life, that was one of them, but we still keep on our relationship. I'm very happy that they both keep on doing what they like to do."

Read also: Haas expects Schumacher to follow second year improvement pattern

Steiner believes drivers remain vulnerable to COVID-19, as Lando Norris and Pierre Gasly recently proved, hence the need for teams to have reserve driver on site during Grand Prix weekends.

The Haas team boss hasn't ruled out relying once again on Pietro Fittipaldi, who filled in for Grosjean at the end of last year, as its official reserve.

"I think we have to carry this year a third driver like we did last year, because of COVID. You never know when it hits you," he said. "If you ever need a third driver at the track, it is now.

"There's no rush to name anybody. We are talking with Pietro, obviously. But there is no big rush from our side and not from his side."

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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.