Gene Haas says he would not prevent Romain Grosjean from joining “one of the two front F1 teams” should a "huge" offer materialise.
Despite his former outfit Lotus in advanced talks with Renault over a takeover, the Frenchman decided to sign with the new US squad in a move some saw as career suicide. The bet seems to have paid off with 18 points and a pair of top six finishes for Grosjean in three races, while Renault is struggling.
Given Haas’ strong technical relationship with Ferrari, the 30-year-old’s name has appeared on the Maranello rumour mill, as Kimi Raikkonen’s contract expires at the end of the current season.
Constructors’ champions Mercedes could also have a seat available in 2017 if they fail to find an agreement to renew Nico Rosberg’s deal, though this scenario remains quite unlikely.
"I don't think I'd ever want to hold a driver back,” Haas is quoted as saying by Autosport.
"[Grosjean] is happy, but if someone offered him a huge contract and was willing to buy out our contract, and it was with one of those two front teams then he'd be crazy not to do it.
"Romain's a pretty cool guy, and quite frankly if he had a chance to be a world champion with another team, that would be something he would probably be foolish not to try."
After a dream debut in Australia and Bahrain, the American newcomers hit the first bump on their F1 journey in China. However, team owner Haas says he has been impressed by Grosjean’s demeanour in the face of adversity.
“He's great. He's very calm about this stuff.
“When things go bad he's just like 'that's the way it is' and his attitude is 'we can overcome these problems'.
“And he's finished fifth and sixth so he doesn't seem to have any problems driving the car.”
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