Haas set to confirm 2019 line-up before Japanese GP
- Published on 27 Sep 2018 13:53
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- By: Fergal Walsh
Haas says that it is on course to announce its 2019 line-up before the Japanese Grand Prix next weekend. The American team currently has no contracted drivers for next season as it evaluates all of its options.
Before he was confirmed at Ferrari, Charles Leclerc was rumoured to be in contention for a seat, as was Sauber-bound Antonio Giovinazzi. Kevin Magnussen is likely to stay on as one of its drivers following an impressive display this year.
Romain Grosjean struggled at the start of the season but found his form in the last number of races. The Frenchman is likely to stay with Haas for a fourth consecutive season, as it appears the team has a lack of other options.
“Since he [Grosjean] found the key as he says and he didn’t lose it again, I think he’s performing pretty well,” team principal Guenther Steiner explained. “He’s back to what he was before, before he had that dip in performance at the beginning of the season.”
When questioned by the media ahead of this weekend's Russian Grand Prix over when the announcement would be made, Steiner added: “Two weeks is over in Japan and it will be within them. It will be within them.”
Steiner revealed that Mercedes' juniors Esteban Ocon and George Russell were considered, but the talks got nowhere due to the youngsters' links with the Silver Arrows.
"You always consider because they are both good drivers,” Steiner said. “But then again we need to look after ourselves and I think the problem is for Mercedes [to solve].
“They [Mercedes] have too much talent and now they need to find a way to solve that problem. Why should that be a problem for the other people? It’s a good problem to have and they need to solve that one themselves.”
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Replies (12)
Login to replyNihilist
Posts: 11
Magnussen + Kubica, please.
Thank you.
kngrthr
Posts: 203
i like that too
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
If Haas is serious about Kubica, they wold have invited him over for test by now. Most teams have their own reservation with him. Though, his comeback, and a podium would be a great dream.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
I can't see why they would not want to continue the same lineup, except may be for Ocon.
Niids
Posts: 43
Really? Grosjean is quick, but he is imo too weak mentally to deliver each time, what makes him average at most. Magnussen is a track bandit without bigger sucsesseses. Both, in probably quicker car, are behind of Renault drivers (HUL & SAI so nothing really special here also). IMHO HAAS should change at least one of these drivers.
mcbhargav
Posts: 1,332
Now coming to the reality, who is available with a super license to replace both Romain and KMag, and outperforming while doing it?
Kean
Posts: 692
Personally I rate Ocon, Vergne, Rosenqvist, Russell and Wehrlein higher than Magnussen and Grosjean and they're free next year. Haas is really in a position where they can take their pick.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
Definitely higher than Gro as it stands today, and higher than KMag in terms of composure and consistency. But KMag has been doing very well when he isnt involved in incidents. Man I'd love to see Rosenqvist get a seat...
Kean
Posts: 692
Rosenqvist and Stroll are buddies, maybe Lance can hook him up at daddys team. Perhaps not in 2019, but in 2020 maybe. Rosenqvist could go to Indy to partner Scott Dixon next year, and if Rosenqvist impresses next to a Indy car champ in his rookie year.... never mind, I'm dreaming. I'm hungry, gonna go get a taco.
calle.itw
Posts: 8,527
A man can dream. Enjoy your taco, Im having some homecooked beef and bamboo. ;)
ajpennypacker
Posts: 2,475
I agree. My biased view is that it would be great if both drivers got the boot, but that wouldn't make sense. That being said, I think that Haas could easily and cheaply do better than Grosjean and Magnussen. Moreover, they could improve their PR massively as well. Ocon would be an obvious choice. The second seat could be a number of things, Kubica would be massively popular, and potentially can still be a good performer. Scott Dixon would be an exciting one, he's been brilliant in Indy.
Kean
Posts: 692
And Rosenqvist was just confirmed as Dixon's teammate!