Haas to keep Ferrucci in young driver programme
Haas says it will retain banned Formula 2 racer Santino Ferrucci as part of its Formula 1 driver development programme despite his recent troubles.
Ferrucci was heavily sanctioned by the FIA, and later sacked by his Trident team, for a series of incidents over the Silverstone weekend in July that included a deliberate collision with his teammate and fellow Haas protege Arjun Maini.
Haas said in the wake of what happened it would be considering Ferrucci’s position at the team, but has ultimately decided that it will keep him on board for now.
Since being dropped in F2, Ferrucci has agreed a deal to race with Dale Coyne Racing at IndyCar's Portland and Sonoma rounds.
Speaking ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix, Haas team principal Gunther Steiner said: “I think we keep him for the time being on the programme. We will see what he is going to do in IndyCar and stay with that one.
“The guy is trying to make a career and in the end we don’t want to pull the rug under his feet.”
Race line-up
Romain Grosjean, Haas F1 Team VF-18, leads Kevin Magnussen, Haas F1 Team VF-18, to the grid
Photo by: Zak Mauger / LAT Images
Haas has not yet confirmed either of its drivers for 2019. And although Kevin Magnussen is almost certain to stay, the future of Romain Grosjean is not guaranteed after his difficult start to the current campaign.
Steiner said that he was hopeful a decision would be made soon.
“We are making progress and are just going through the motions,” said Steiner. “We did a lot over the break but we haven’t come to the complete conclusion.
“Nevertheless we are in a good place and I cannot say anything yet as we are working on a few bits and bobs. We are in a good place and happy with the progress we are made. It is not far off.”
Additional reporting by Frankie Mao
Share Or Save This Story
Brundle awarded OBE in King’s New Year’s honours
The new rules dilemma that will define the 2025 F1 season
Verstappen issues Red Bull title warning in push for RB21 progress
Foyt, Homes for Our Troops, and White House Historical Association team up for Freedom 250
Santino Ferrucci “wish we had the week off” for crew members after Indy stretch
Mick Schumacher's top 12 run ends with a penalty after spinning Santino Ferrucci
Haas completes latest TPC test as focus on 2027 F1 driver line-up decision grows
Esteban Ocon defends controversial move on Alex Albon, bemoans F1 rule
You Ask The Questions: Esteban Ocon
David Malukas: “Chevy let us down” after missing maiden IndyCar win
From “Lost puppy” to history maker: Pato O’Ward goes into IndyCar record books with single-day Milwaukee sweep
Sebastien Ogier apologises for “out of line” interaction with FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem
Alex Palou claims fifth IndyCar title in record time: “It just feels like we started yesterday”
The tech battles of F1 2026 so far… and what comes next
Sainz interview: “I always believed in McLaren… but then Ferrari called”
Why Oscar Piastri is struggling to match Lando Norris – and McLaren’s intriguing explanation
How a grateful Yuki Tsunoda found F1 closure as Dutch GP super-sub
Subscribe and access Motorsport.com with your ad-blocker.
From Formula 1 to MotoGP we report straight from the paddock because we love our sport, just like you. In order to keep delivering our expert journalism, our website uses advertising. Still, we want to give you the opportunity to enjoy an ad-free and tracker-free website and to continue using your adblocker.
Top Comments