Haas: No deal on the table with Alfa Romeo for 2024

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Haas team principal Guenther Steiner says the US outfit has not held talks with Alfa Romeo over a partnership deal for 2024.

Alfa Romeo's current brand partnership with Sauber will end at the end of this season, but the Italian automotive manufacturer, which is part of the Stellantis group, is apparently considering extending its presence in Formula 1.

Steiner revealed that he had briefly met behind the scenes last weekend in Monaco with Alfa Romeo chief executive Jean-Philippe Imparato, which triggered rumors of a deal being discussed between the two parties for next year.

"A lot of people are telling that to me, but the only ones who haven't told me that yet are Alfa Romeo," Steiner told the media in Barcelona on Thursday.

"Obviously they are looking at what they are doing in the future, and they came to see us, to see how we are doing. It was an introduction, nothing else.

"I had never met the CEO before in my life and we just got introduced. Obviously there was nothing to hide. He just said 'hello', and that was it. I don't know what they are doing in the future."

Read also: Steiner says 'classic' GPs can catch up on entertainment

Haas currently has a multi-year title sponsorship deal with money transfer company Moneygram. Steiner was asked if Haas could add a second naming rights deal with Alfa Romeo should the latter be interested in partnering with the team.

"I don't know because we never spoke about this, so I don't know," said the Italian. "I don't have an answer for that because we haven't discussed with Gene about this.

"There is nothing on the table, therefore I don't even think about it. I have a lot of other things to do."

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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.