Haas to field all-new F1 line-up for 2021 after dropping Magnussen, Grosjean
Haas will field an all-new driver line-up in Formula 1 next season after deciding to drop both Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean for 2021.
Grosjean announced his exit from the team after five years in a social media post on Thursday morning ahead of this weekend’s Portuguese Grand Prix, before Magnussen followed suit with news of his own departure.
Haas’ decision leaves both Magnussen and Grosjean without a drive for 2021 and facing the prospect of an F1 exit altogether.
Grosjean recently admitted he was interested in Peugeot’s Hypercar programme for the FIA World Endurance Championship, while Magnussen is also likely to spend at least a year on the F1 sidelines with few options available for 2021.
— Kevin Magnussen (@KevinMagnussen) October 22, 2020
Haas is yet to confirm who will replace Magnussen or Grosjean in its line-up for next season, with team principal Guenther Steiner evaluating an extensive list of at least 10 potential candidates.
Steiner has made it clear that Haas will base its decision with the mid-to-long term future in mind, placing a key focus on making sure it is well-placed to capitalise on the incoming 2022 regulation overhaul.
Formula 2 racer Nikita Mazepin has been heavily linked to the American outfit, as have Ferrari Driver Academy members Mick Schumacher and Robert Shwartzman.
Fellow Ferrari junior Callum Ilott was due to test for Haas at the Eifel Grand Prix but adverse weather conditions meant he was unable to carry out his F1 practice debut.
Steiner said in Germany that the British driver, who currently sits second in the F2 standings, was not currently on Haas’ shortlist.
Free agent Sergio Perez is also not believed to be in serious consideration for Haas, despite boasting significant personal financial backing.
Instead, Perez has been linked with a surprise switch Williams for 2021, potentially replacing George Russell despite the Briton previously being confirmed alongside Nicholas Latifi for next season.
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