[ad_1]
Grosjean and Magnussen’s four-year partnership with Haas ends with the team ready to look to the future with the 2021 lineup.
By Matt Morlidge
Last Updated: 10/22/20 10:03 am
Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will leave Haas at the end of the 2020 Formula 1 season.
Grosjean joined the American-owned team before its inaugural season in 2016, while Magnussen arrived the following year, but neither was expected to stick around next year with Haas eager to start over.
Mick Schumacher and Nico Hulkenberg are among several drivers who have linked up with Haas seats, which are now available for 2021.
“The last chapter is closed and the book is finished,” Grosjean said. “I have been with Haas F1 Team from day one.
“Five years during which we went through ups and downs, we got 110 points in 92 races, but the trip was worth it. I learned a lot, I improved to be a better driver and a better man.
“I hope I have helped the people of the team to improve as well. This is probably my greatest pride, more than any of the crazy first races of 2016 or fourth place at the 2018 Austrian GP.
“I wish the team all the best for the future.”
Also posting on social media, Magnussen wrote: “The 2020 Formula 1 season will be my last with the Haas F1 team. I have had a great time with the team for four years and I look back on a great journey.
“Being part of a completely new team has been a challenge that I have really enjoyed and it has brought me a wealth of experience that has helped me grow and develop as a racing driver. I would like to thank Gene [Haas, team owner], Guenther [Steiner, team boss] and to the entire racing team for their loyalty and trust in me over the past four years.
“I am still working on my plans for the future, which I will announce in due course. There are still six races to do this season, and I am determined to give it my all to finish on the top.”
What’s next for Grosjean, Magnussen, Haas?
While neither Grosjean nor Magnussen, whose contracts expire at the end of the season, confirmed their next moves, it seems unlikely that they will find themselves on the F1 grid in 2021. Grosjean, the 34-year-old Frenchman, has spoken openly of his interest in Peugeot’s Hypercar program for the World Endurance Championship.
Meanwhile, Haas can now focus on her next partner.
Team Principal Guenther Steiner has stated that the team is not just looking at next year, but a “five-year plan” for its next lineup, hinting at the younger drivers.
Nikita Mazepin, who competes in F2 as Schumacher, has also been linked, while Sergio Pérez is another contender and valuable free agent, and could be tempted given the scarcity of options on the grid.
The Ferrari-linked Haas are one of four teams that still have seats available, with two of them being Red Bull and AlphaTauri.
Steiner did not give a timeline on Haas’s announcement, but said: “I want to extend my thanks to both Romain (Grosjean) and Kevin (Magnussen) for their hard work and commitment to the Haas F1 Team over the last few seasons.
“Romain was a critical part of our establishment as we sought to get a pilot on board with speed and experience. His results in early 2016 were a fair reward, not only for his own talent, but also for the great amount of effort from the team”. had put up to be on the grid that season.
“When Kevin joined a season later we saw an immediate comeback with both cars scoring points and of course our first double point ended in Monaco that year. We have many good memories together, particularly our 2018 season when we finished fifth in the qualifying in just our third season, Romain and Kevin played a big part in that success.
“Of course, there are still many races left in the 2020 season. It has been a challenging year, there is no doubt about that, but both drivers have given their all behind the wheel of the VF-20. We value their contributions and experience to continue pushing the team towards the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December. “
[ad_2]
