Haas’s priority is to have a reserve driver who can attend all races and be present in case of any last-minute problems with the starters. Mick Schumacher y Nikita Mazepin.
The two former Haas drivers have left to race in the United States, in the case of Magnussen to the IMSA and in the case of Grosjean to the IndyCar, so neither of them would be available or willing to travel regularly to the races of F1 as a reserve.
However, they could be called if they were free from other commitments and there was enough time to travel to the race site.
Grosjean already made it clear this week that he would be willing to be a reserve if he gets a call from an F1 team.
“I wouldn’t mind if they were free,” Steiner told Motorsport.com. “I think they would be delighted to come back too. I haven’t asked them, but I don’t think they have bad memories.”
Steiner keeps in regular contact with both drivers and is happy that they have found a new team.
“I just texted Romain because I had to ask him something, I spoke to Kevin last weekend when he was at Daytona. So I’m very happy for them.”
“And as I’ve always said, we parted ways, but I think that in life we continue to work together. There was no collateral damage. Of course, they weren’t happy, but they weren’t unhappy. They had a good time, we had a good time.”
“All good things end in life, that was one of them, but we continue to maintain our relationship. I am very happy that they both continue to do what they like.”
Steiner confirmed that the team intends to have a reserve driver at the grand prix like last year, not ruling out renewing the agreement with Pietro Fittipaldi, who has already replaced the injured Grosjean in the last two events of 2020.
“I think we will have to bring a third driver this year like last year for the COVID. You never know when it may touch you. If a third driver is ever needed, it is now. “
“There’s no rush to name anyone. We’re talking to Pietro, obviously. But there’s not much of a rush on our part or his.”