F1 | Steiner: Grosjean or Magnussen could return as F1 reserve drivers
Haas Team principal Guenther Steiner doesn't discount a possible return of Romain Grosjan or Kevin Magnussen as a reserve driver for the upcoming season.
Each F1 team has a third driver, a driver who acts as a substitute in the event that one of the two main drivers is unavailable for various reasons. Haas, therefore, also needs to choose a competitor who can take the place of Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin in case of last-minute need.
Both former drivers of the American F1 team, Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean, are busy in the United States: Magnussen will race in the IMSA (International Motor Sports Association) WeatherTech SportsCar Championship with the CGR, and the French driver will compete in the IndyCar Series.
Wishing @KevinMagnussen the very best as he begins his next racing chapter with the 24 Hours of Daytona in @IMSA later today 👊 pic.twitter.com/eXlGtCu9Qe
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) January 30, 2021
"I'm super happy and delighted," Romain said on Twitch as he explained his move to IndyCar. "It's going to be a nice challenge and a nice chapter for my next career path."
Good luck Romain!
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) February 3, 2021
We’re looking forward to watching you in @IndyCar this season 🇺🇸#HaasF1 https://t.co/gevk3cpnLN
The commitments of the two F1 veterans could make an immediate availability very difficult in case of need for Haas. Despite this, Grosjean himself said he's ready for a potential call from his former team principal.
"I wouldn't mind if they are free" Steiner told to Motorsport.com, "I think they will be happy to come back as well. I mean, I haven't asked them, but I don't think they have any bad feelings".
The italian Team principal is in touch with both drivers and he's happy they found new jobs that they really enjoy.
"I actually texted Romain just before, because I had to ask him something. I also spoke with Kevin last weekend when he was in Daytona, so I'm very happy for them" he stated.
He continued saying: "And as always said, I mean we parted ways, but I think in life we still work together. There was no fallout. For sure they weren't happy, but they weren't unhappy. They had a good time, we had a good time".
Grosjean, Magnussen and Steiner are actually good friends in real life, after a long time of working together:
"All good things come to an end in life, that was one of them, but we still keep on our relationship. I'm very happy that they both keep on doing what they like to do".
Therefore, Haas aims to have a reference driver as a reserve for 2021, above all for the "enemy" COVID-19, not excluding the renewal of Pietro Fittipaldi who replaced Romain Grosjean after the horrific crash at the 2020 Bahrain Grand Prix.
"I think we have to carry this year a third driver like we did last year, because of COVID" Steiner said. "You never know when it hits you. If you ever need a third driver on track it's now. There's no rush to name anybody. We are talking with Pietro, but there is no big rush from our side and not from his side".
