Haas
decision leaves Gutierrez facing uncertain future
Send a link to a friend
[November 11, 2016]
By Alan Baldwin
SAO PAULO (Reuters) - The Haas Formula
One team are hoping to announce their 2017 driver lineup within days
after reports that Denmark's Kevin Magnussen is set to join from
Renault in place of Mexican Esteban Gutierrez.
"Hopefully we will announce something this weekend," team principal
Guenther Steiner told reporters at the Brazilian Grand Prix on
Thursday.
"There are still a few things we have to talk with people about and
then we will announce who our (second) driver will be," he added.
"It is the little work when you get close to a deal. It's the same
when you buy a car. In the end you want a free carpet or something
new. We are at that stage at the moment."
Magnussen, who has agreed a multi-year contract with the U.S.-owned
team, according to a source close to the deal, was coy about
pre-empting any announcement but left little doubt that he was
heading to the Ferrari-powered newcomers as team mate to Frenchman
Romain Grosjean.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Nov/11/images/ads/current/american_legion_sda_2014.png)
He said it had been his decision to leave Renault.
"I had an offer (from Renault), but not a good enough offer that I
could take it," he said. "If they had committed to a longer contract
I would probably have looked at that much better, much more
seriously.
"It was more the feeling of them not really committing and taking so
long, and offering the drive to so many drivers. I think at one time
the Pope had an offer," he joked. "It was a bit messy so it's better
for me to leave.
"I'm looking for a place for me to excel and prove my worth and do a
good job and have a good time. And I think I can have that... next
year."
[to top of second column] |
![](../images/111116pics/sports59.jpg)
Haas Formula One driver Esteban Gutierrez of Mexico waves to the
media during a news conference at the Plaza Carso in Mexico City,
Mexico October 26, 2016. REUTERS/Henry Romero
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Nov/11/images/ads/current/mks_lda_SAVEDATE_2016.png)
Gutierrez, whose options for staying on the starting grid now seem
extremely limited, with only Mercedes-powered Manor having a clear
vacancy, said his future was out of his hands but he would keep
pushing.
"It's very clear that the decision will be made very soon," he said.
"Concerned? Yes and no," he added. "Whatever the outcome is, nothing
will change (me) as a person. Nobody is dying. That's the most
important thing."
(Reporting by Alan Baldwin, editing by Ken Ferris)
[© 2016 Thomson Reuters. All rights
reserved.] Copyright 2016 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published,
broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Nov/11/images/ads/current/ldn_sda_062409.png)
![](http://archives.lincolndailynews.com/2016/Nov/11/images/ads/current/ldn_business_directory_small_2016.png) |