Haas wants two-year deals with 2021 drivers

Michelle Foster
Guenther-Steiner-and-Kevin-Magnussen-dark-PA

Guenther-Steiner-and-Kevin-Magnussen-dark-PA

Whoever races for Haas next season will have job security for two years with Guenther Steiner revealing he wants continuity from 2021 to 2022.

This season’s championship marks Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean’s last under their current Haas contracts with both drivers said to be on their way out.

According to Formula 1’s rumour mill, the duo will be replaced by Nico Hulkenberg and Mick Schumacher.

Of course last year the rumour mill also claimed that 2019 would be Grosjean’s last with the team only for the Frenchman to stay on for a fifth year.

But whatever Haas does decide, Steiner says next year’s drivers will also be in the car come 2022.

The team boss is keen to have continuity given that in 2022 Formula 1 will undergo a major overhaul of its regulations as it moves to ground effect aerodynamics.

“Everything is on the table for next year, because the only thing what I would like, and I am going to discuss with Gene this in the next weeks and months, is how we do our best,” Steiner said on Sky Sports F1.

“Then we’ll see what fits best for us.

“But one thing, in my opinion, we need to do: whoever is in the car in ’21 should be in the car in ’22.

“Because with a new car coming, if you know your driver, at least you have sorted something out. Whoever it is, even if these guys which are [racing] now and they stay, they should stay for at least the next two years.

“I am against swapping before ’22, with a new car and a new driver, that could be difficult.

“That’s the only thing I can say, the rest is all open. No idea yet who will be driving a car in ’21 and ’22.”

Nico Hulkenberg and Haas team principal Guenther Steiner
Nico Hulkenberg and Haas team principal Guenther Steiner

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Steiner has previously made it known that he is open to completely changing Haas driver line up in 2021.

“We are looking at everything,” he told Autosport.

“We are looking at all the drivers, and we haven’t made the decision. I’m not trying to be evasive.

“We just got the Concorde [Agreement] done and I did not speak with Gene [Haas, team owner] about drivers yet.

“I want his input on the drivers, so that will come soon. As soon as he can make it to a race we will sit down and discuss it.

“But at the moment, everything is on the table from keeping the drivers we have got, to getting two rookies.

“So if you want the seat you can apply for it!

“Everything is possible in the moment.”

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