The Formula 1 silly season is finally into its last phase with only a few of the midfield teams left to announce their driver line up for 2019.
Haas have gone ahead and finished the formalities today morning, by announcing that Magnussen and Grosjean would be continuing with the team for 2019 as well.
While Magnussen’s seat was more or less confirmed, there was speculation about Grosjean making way for another driver, but impressive performances from Grosjean in the last few months has secured him a place in that Haas car for 2019.
“From the very beginning, we needed experienced drivers to hasten the development of our car and our team, and we have two very good and experienced drivers in Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen. We’ve improved drastically from last year to this year, so retaining both drivers was a pretty easy decision,” said Steiner.
Haas is looking to break the 100 point barrier in its 3rd season in Formula 1, an achievement that Steiner believes has been possible because of its experienced and focus drivers.
“I think the 100-point barrier should be and will be broken, and we’ll do it with Romain and Kevin,” he said.
“Both drivers push each other to be better, and their collective feedback allows us to be better. It’s not a coincidence that in their second year as teammates, Haas F1 Team is having its best year. By keeping Romain and Kevin together, we aim to do even better next year.” he added.
Grosjean expressed his gratitude to the Haas team for putting up a brilliant show in such a small span of time, enabling drivers like him to do what they do best.
“It’s impressive to see what this team has accomplished in such a relatively short time, and for someone who has been here since the very beginning, I take a lot of pride in the time, effort and sacrifice we’ve all put forth to make Haas F1 Team so competitive,” Grosjean said.
“I’m very happy to continue with Haas F1 Team and represent Haas Automation and all of our partners. Gene Haas has built something very special – something we can make even better – and it’s an honor to be a part of it.” he added.
Magnussen has been a part of the team for two years now and has loved the structure of the team and how all the work is carried out, with bureaucracy taking a back seat.
“I’ve never been in a better situation than the one I’m in here at Haas F1 Team,” Magnussen said.
“This is a team filled with racers and we’re all striving for the same thing. There’s no bureaucracy and everything is very straightforward. Gene Haas is all about efficiency, and he and Guenther Steiner have created a very efficient environment that gets the best from its people. We all believe in each other and that’s why we’ve achieved as much as we have.” he added.
