Haas F1 team’s future is “the elephant in the room” - Grosjean

Romain Grosjean says he does not yet know whether his Haas Formula 1 team will remain in the sport for 2021, describing the team’s future as the “elephant in the room”.

Team owner Gene Haas is considering his options regarding the future of Haas’ F1 operation after it slipped to its worst-ever finish of ninth place in the constructors’ championship during a tough 2019 season.

With the American squad yet to commit to the new Concorde Agreement for next year and beyond, Haas has the option to pull his team out of the sport.

Asked for an update on his own future ahead of this weekend’s Hungarian Grand Prix, Grosjean responded: “There are a lot of question marks here.

"Let's get rid of the elephant in the room, is Haas going to be here next year or not? That's obviously the question.

"What are the other places are available? Obviously the market got shaken up quite quickly this year with the Ferrari announcement and the following things, so we'll see what the opportunities are.

"Personally I'll see also what I'd like to do, and what I feel like doing in the future. Looking a little bit, but also not rushing everything, and seeing how things are going.”

Grosjean stressed he has not been made aware of any potential developments regarding Haas’ plans.

“The decision hasn't been made I believe, there's nothing to be said,” Grosjean explained.

"We just need to go racing and do races as we did in Austria, get the best out of the team, out of the strategy, out the drivers, and show the best we can do.

"Obviously in the end Gene knows the answer, I guess, or doesn't know but will tell the answer at one point. Until that point I can't really give you any direction. I hope for F1 that Haas will be on the grid next year.

"Out of all the new teams that came to F1, it's obviously the one that was the most successful, the most solid baseline, so there's definitely a place for Haas in F1. But again, I'm not the one taking the decision. Time will tell.”

Asked if he had any concerns about the team’s future and subsequently his own position, teammate Kevin Magnussen said: "Not really.

“I think I've now got a little bit more experience in F1, and grown up a little bit. I don't get as concerned about these things as I used to when I was younger.

"I think as a team, there's a bunch of people that are hoping to see the team continue, and like their job, and like the team.

"Of course, I'm looking forward to something news and to see whether it continues or not. I don't know, but I hope that the chances are good.

"I feel like we were doing well, as Romain said, we've been fairly successful in a very short amount of time as a completely new team, not taking over a previous team. Starting up as a new team and doing well from the beginning has been really impressive to see.

"Of course, I'm hoping for it to continue. As I said I think I've grown up a little bit, and feel more at ease in these situations. F1 is never a safe place, you can never predict the future. And so I think just about enjoying the moment and then hope for the best in the future."