Haas have announced a complete shake-up of their driver line-up, as they drop both Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen for the following season!
Both drivers announced their shock departures on social media on Thursday morning, Romain Grosjean, who has been with Haas since the beginning in 2016, wrote in a heart wrenching post:
"The last chapter is closed and the book is finished. I’ve been with Haas F1 Team since day 1. Five years during which we went through highs and lows, scored 110 points in 92 races, but the journey was worth it. I’ve learned a lot, improved to be a better driver as well as a better man. I hope I’ve also helped people in the team to improve themselves. This is probably my biggest pride, more than any of the crazy first races in 2016 or the P4 at the Austrian GP 2018. I wish the team all the best for the future. Romain.”
Image: HaasF1Team.com
Kevin Magnussen, who joined Haas in their second year in F1, wrote:
"The 2020 Formula 1 season will be my last with Haas F1 Team. I have had a great time with the team for four years and I look back at a great journey. Being part of a brand new team has been a challenge that I gave thoroughly enjoyed and it has brought me a huge amount of experience that has helped me grow and develop as a racing driver."
The Dane continued to thank the team saying:
"I would like to thank Gene, Gunther and all of the race 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 my all to finish off on a high. Thank you all for your support."
Image: HaasF1Team.com
Haas are notably the smallest team on the grid, and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has not helped their case. As a result, Haas have claimed 'financial reasons' for their complete reset of their driver line-up. Both Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen come as veterans and podium sitters of the sport, which carries its own price tag.
Whilst both drivers are contracted till the end of this season, it is unlikely they will remain on the F1 grid in 2021. Grosjean, 34-years-old, was open about his disillusion with a lack of winning stating at the Belgium Grand Prix back in August that he was, 'tired of not racing for the win.' As a result he has been open about his interest in Peugeot's Hypercar programme for the World Endurance Championship, which may be the Franco-Swiss' next adventure. However, F1 Whispers has seen Romain Grosjean at the Mahindra simulator a week ago, suggesting a move to Formula E might be on the cards for the Frenchman. Although, nothing has been confirmed.
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