Perez not a "no-brainer" for Haas - Steiner
Haas boss Gunther Steiner says taking a fast and well-backed driver like Sergio Perez is not necessarily a "no-brainer" for his team.
The American-owned outfit is evaluating its driver options for next year, with its current line-up of Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen out of contract at the end of the season.
Perez's dismissal from Racing Point, which has opted to replace him with Sebastian Vettel, makes the well-funded Mexican an obvious target for Haas.
But despite Perez's clear speed, and the long-standing support he has had from Mexican sponsors, Steiner says he is not an automatic shoe-in for the team.
"There is nothing at the moment which is a no-brainer, because there are so many options," said Steiner, when asked by Motorsport.com for his thoughts on Perez.
"You need to make the best decision for the team mid to long-term, not only the immediate. Because immediately, we don't have an issue, but we need to see where we want to go in mid to long-term, because that is where the opportunity is in my opinion. We need to fix that one.
"It's not that we just need some quick cash for next year. We're actually fine with that. It's a mid to long-term: how can we get better? How can we get the best out of the team? How can we get back to our performance of 2018 and better?
"I think there is more opportunity now with the budget cap coming from next year onwards and the new regulations from 2022.
"For sure, Checo is a good driver, I would never doubt him. But is he the best for the mid to long term? I don't know. That is what we are discussing, so therefore it is not such a no brainer as it seems to be."
As well as having experienced options like Perez and his current drivers, Haas is also weighing up the idea of going with rookies – including potentially some from the Ferrari young driver academy.
One option could be for the team to try out the youngsters in free practice sessions later in the year.
"It could be, I don't know yet, that's more a Ferrari [decision], if they ask us to help out," said Haas.
"They are helping us out this year, because we have got our issues this year with the COVID, so they are helping us, and we help each other. If they ask, I would be open to discuss it at least."
Related video
Previous article
Alonso willing to help Renault with 'anything needed' in 2020
Next article
2020 Formula 1 Russian Grand Prix session timings and preview
About this article
| Series | Formula 1 |
| Drivers | Sergio Perez |
| Teams | Haas F1 Team |
| Author | Jonathan Noble |
How Do Drivers Stay Fit For F1 Grand Prix?
Ronnie Peterson and Jochen Rindt Tribute
#ThinkingForward with Juan Pablo Montoya
The themes to watch in F1's Imola return
Three weeks is a long time in Formula 1, but in the reshaped start to the 2021 season the teams head to Imola to pick things up after the frenetic Bahrain opener. Here's what to look out for and the developments to follow at the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix
The 'new' F1 drivers who need to improve at Imola
After a pandemic-hit winter of seat-swapping, F1 kicked off its season with several new faces in town, other drivers adapting to new environments, and one making a much-anticipated comeback. Ben Anderson looks at who made the most of their opportunity and who needs to try harder…
The delay that quashed Aston Martin’s last F1 venture
Aston Martin’s only previous foray into Formula 1 in the late 1950s was a short-lived and unsuccessful affair. But it could have been so different, says Nigel Roebuck.
Verstappen exclusive: Why lack of titles won't hurt Red Bull's ace
Max Verstappen’s star quality in Formula 1 is clear. Now equipped with a Red Bull car that is, right now, the world title favourite and the experience to support his talent, could 2021 be the Dutchman’s year to topple the dominant force of Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes?
Is Formula 1 as good as it has ever been now?
For many, many years Formula 1 has strived to do and to be better on all fronts. With close competition, a growing fanbase, a stable political landscape and rules in place to encourage sustainability, 2021 is on course to provide an unexpected peak
How Williams’ new structure adheres to a growing F1 trend
Williams held out against the tide for many years but, as MARK GALLAGHER explains, the age of the owner-manager is long gone
When a journeyman driver's F1 career lasted just 800m
Nikita Mazepin’s Formula 1 debut at the Bahrain Grand Prix lasted mere corners before he wiped himself out in a shunt, but his financial backing affords him a full season. Back in 1993 though, Marco Apicella was an F1 driver for just 800m before a first corner fracas ended his career. Here’s the story of his very short time at motorsport’s pinnacle.
How Raikkonen's rapid rise stalled his teammate's F1 career climb
Kimi Raikkonen's emergence as a Formula 1 star in his rookie campaign remains one of the legendary storylines from 2001, but his exploits had an unwanted impact on his Sauber teammate's own prospects. Twenty years on from his first F1 podium at the Brazilian GP, here's how Nick Heidfeld's career was chilled by the Iceman.
