Haas have parted ways with both drivers for next season, leaving two seats free for the next Formula 1 season.
Romain Grosjean joined the team in their first year in F1, alongside Esteban Gutierrez. The Mexican was replaced a year later by Kevin Magnussen and the duo have lined up for every race since.
Combined, the drivers have scored 206 points for the American outfit, Grosjean winning out overall with 110 points. The French driver has also recorded the team’s best finish with 4th at the 2018 Austrian GP.
While both drivers have found reasonable midfield success with the team, most notably 5th in the 2018 constructors’ championship, both the team and drivers have been under rising pressure in recent times.
A debacle with Rich energy and numerous collisions on track have led to a sharp decline in performance. Haas currently sit 9th in the standings with only 3 points.
While a change in line-up was expected, it is a surprise that both drivers have gone. Meaning whoever starts for the team will start with a very limited understanding of the inner workings of the team.
There are numerous drivers who are now being speculated to drive for Haas next year. The leading two F2 drivers have been linked with the seat, but Callum Illot currently appears to be the most likely candidate. The young Briton was due to participate for Haas in FP1 of the Eifel GP. However, this was called off due to bad weather.
The same weather also denied Mick Schumacher of his first official F1 outing. But, it is expected that the current F2 championship leader will be signing up alongside Kimi Raikkonen for next season at Alfa Romeo.
Robert Schwartzman and Nikita Mazepin have also been linked to the seat, but it is assumed that Haas will want a driver with previous experience to fill the role.
Both Sergio Perez and Nico Hulkenberg have proved themselves to be solid drivers and will no doubt be in the forefront, especially as both drivers have performed well this season for Racing Point.
It may be too early to make predictions, but Haas’ intentions are clear. The team must start afresh and attempt to rise from this current rut of poor performance. However, if this drastic change doesn’t work immediately, will Gene Haas keep funding a very expensive backmarker team? This may be the last chance saloon for F1’s wild west representive.
Featured Image Credit: Formula1.com
