Haas team boss Guenther Steiner has suggested that “close to 10” drivers are being considered for a 2021 Formula 1 race seat with the squad.
Haas has fielded Romain Grosjean throughout its five-year spell in Formula 1 while Kevin Magnussen joined for 2017 as a replacement for Esteban Gutierrez.
Haas finished fifth in 2018 but slumped to ninth last season and again holds that position in the Constructors’ Championship.
Grosjean and Magnussen are both out of contract at the end of the campaign while Haas is one of only three teams – along with AlphaTauri and Alfa Romeo – yet to confirm either of its 2021 drivers.
Sergio Perez is on the market following his exit from Racing Point while Nico Hulkenberg was in discussions with Haas for 2020 before Grosjean was ultimately retained.
Haas also has a long-term alliance with Ferrari, which has three juniors competing at the sharp end of the Formula 2 grid, courtesy of Callum Ilott, Robert Shwartzman and Mick Schumacher.
“[We have to think about] what we want to do,” said Steiner ahead of the Tuscan Grand Prix.
“Do we want the experience drivers, do we want young drivers, do we want a mix, everything is on the table, and the table gets fuller and fuller by the day at the moment which is a good thing because then you have a choice, and choices are always good.”
When asked how many options it is considering Steiner replied: “There are close to 10. It’s amazing what is around at the moment. That’s why you see me very calm.
“There are only 20 seats and we’ve got 10 potential people that could do the job, you know, which is good. I mean two of them we have got already, so we are down to eight!”
Unfortunately all the open seats in F1 have the disadvantage of having Guido di Paola’s boat anchor in the back.