Haas sack both drivers in massive shake up as Mick Schumacher tipped to get seat

An F1 team is going in a bold new direction after sacking both of its drivers after four years, clearing the way for the name Schumacher to return to the grid.

Romain Grosjean has been there since the beginning.

F1 team Haas have sensationally sacked both the team’s drivers for 2021 after a woeful 2020 season so far.

Romain Grosjean has spent five years with the team, with Kevin Magnussen driving for four, but it appears the pair’s F1 careers are over with young guns expected to come in and take their places.

Any empty F1 seat is highly-coveted with Russian Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher strongly tipped to claim the seats.

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Schumacher has long been expected to follow in his father’s incredible footsteps as a Formula One driver, however he has also been linked to Alfa Romeo, with a move potentially coming down to whether Antonio Giovinazzi has done enough to hold onto his seat.

Haas’ decision seemingly ends the F1 careers of Grosjean and Magnussen.

Ouch for Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean.

Grosjean, who has driven for nine years in the sport, claimed 10 podiums early in his career but ends his time with 110 points from 92 starts, having not finished in the top three since 2015.

The 34-year-old took to Instagram to share the news.

“The last chapter is closed and the book is finished,” he wrote.
“I‘ve been with Haas F1 team since day 1. Five years during which we went through highs and lows 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.”

The 34-year-old has hinted that he could join the World Endurance Championship or Formula E.

The 28-year-old Magnussen also took to social media to share the news.

“The 2020 Formula 1 season will be my last with Haas F1 Team,” he began.

“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 have thoroughly enjoyed and it has brought me a huge amount of experience that has helped me grow and develop as a racing driver.”

Magnussen added that he would announce his future plans “in due course” although he has often expressed an interest in driving in the IndyCar Series.

Haas team principal Gunther Steiner thanked the pair for their “hard work and commitment” to the team.

Apart from the 2018 season where Haas finished fifth, the team has struggled, finishing eighth or ninth in the constructor’s championship.

Mick Schumacher is being strongly linked to a move to the team.

However 2020 is headed towards a new low with only three points for the season and just six races remaining.

F1’s Lawrence Barretto said the strategy had changed for Haas with the team looking for “drivers with financial backing”.

Schumacher, the most famous name in F1, and Mazepin, whose father Dimitry is a billionaire who owns a chemicals company, appear to fit the bill.

— with AFP