(Reuters) – Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said he was still considering who should have the Formula One team’s second seat next season after being inundated with advice.
“I get a lot of advice from people who think who should drive the car, who deserves anything or whatever,” Steiner said ahead of Saturday’s qualifying for the United States Grand Prix in Austin, Texas.
“These comments, I get them all day telling me what I should do.”
Steiner said he had heard the opinions of many people on who should get the coveted spot, including Danish driver Kevin Magnussen who will continue with Haas next season and on Thursday made his preference clear, giving teammate Mick Schumacher a vote of confidence.
Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, is out of contract with Haas at the end of the season, but Magnussen says the German has gained confidence and is “super hard to beat”.
Schumacher, who made his F1 debut with Haas in 2021, has scored in just two of 18 races this season, with 12 points to Magnussen’s 22.
“A lot of people deserve something,” Steiner said. “I have to take care of the whole team and see if Mick is the chosen one.
“Obviously Kevin has said what he thinks and then I have to take care of the team for the future.
“We’re going to take the driver we want in the car and think we can move forward with the development of the team.”
Steiner is certain to get even more advice after Williams announced on Saturday that they had signed American Logan Sargeant for next season, on the condition that he get a super license.
Williams’ move leaves USA-owned Haas as the only team still with a vacancy as they decide whether to retain Schumacher or replace him.
Haas announced a new title sponsor, MoneyGram, on Thursday, and the cash injection will allow them to explore driver options that may not have been open to them in the past.
Australian winner Daniel Ricciardo, who was dropped by McLaren, is an option, as are experienced Nico Hulkenberg or Ferrari reserve driver Antonio Giovinazzi.
“Mick has experience, this is his second year in Formula 1,” Steiner said. “He’s had enough (experience) to take the team forward; we need leadership from that position.
“Those are all the things we assess. That’s the most important thing, how can we take the team forward.”