Sports Mole rounds up all of the latest news regarding Formula 1 on Friday, December 4.
Friday morning's Formula 1 news roundup
Steiner hits back at angry Haas reserve
© Reuters
Gunther Steiner has hit back at Haas reserve driver Louis Deletraz, who is upset that he was overlooked to replace Romain Grosjean this weekend in Bahrain.
The small American team has instead selected F1 legend Emerson Fittipaldi's 24-year-old grandson Pietro - the second official Haas reserve.
But Deletraz, a 23-year-old Swiss driver who is seventh in the Formula 2 standings, hinted on social media that Haas should have had more "respect" for him.
"Congrats Jack, Williams and Mercedes," he said after Jack Aitken was selected to replace the Mercedes-bound George Russell ahead of this weekend's Bahrain round.
"A choice based on pure performance. It's nice to see a team with respect to its drivers."
When asked about that comment, Haas boss Steiner reacted with frustration.
"I haven't spoken with him recently, but I saw that he is angry - and he's not the only one who is angry because they wanted that seat," he said.
"He is just one of them, so get in line. Pietro deserves it," Steiner added.
"I asked him to be here because I was worried about coronavirus, and so he came to be away from home for three weeks without any assurance of being able to race.
"There is no debate about this," he continued. "It was the plan that was on the table and we followed it. Besides, I don't have to ask anyone else who I should put in the car."
Steiner also played down speculation that Mick Schumacher might be a candidate to race next weekend in Abu Dhabi, as a limping Grosjean with heavily bandaged hands returned to the Bahrain paddock on Thursday.
Steiner insisted: "I want Romain to come back so I'm not thinking of anything else.
"I think he can end his time with us at that race, that's what I've talked about with him and I want him to end on a high note.
"We won't decide otherwise until someone tells us that he cannot race," he added.
Magnussen not ruling out Indycar future
© Reuters
Kevin Magnussen is not ruling out using 2021 as a springboard into America's top open wheeler category Indycar.
It was announced on Thursday that, having lost his Haas seat, the 28-year-old Dane will drive for Chip Ganassi's IMSA sports car team next year.
His first race next year will be Daytona at the end of January.
"I'm looking forward to driving in cars again in which I can win," Magnussen said in Bahrain.
Chip Ganassi also has a top Indycar team, and so Magnussen was asked if 2021 might be a springboard into that top series.
"You never know what the future holds," the Danish driver said.
"I have signed a contract with a team that is very successful in different racing categories and I am very happy to continue my career in the US.
"My father has been racing in the States for 20 years and I've been to many races with him. I loved the atmosphere and the tracks so I'm looking forward to the beginning of this new chapter in my career."
More news from Formula 1:
The key questions surrounding Lewis Hamilton's replacement George Russell
George Russell has been selected to replace the world champion this weekend. Read more.
Sir Chris Hoy to pilot 'rage buggy' in British Rallycross Championship
The six-times Olympic champion retired from cycling in 2013 and has competed in a number of motorsport events. Read more.
George Russell admits to "sleepless night" following Mercedes break
The Briton discovered he would be replacing Lewis Hamilton in Sakhir this weekend in a 2am call. Read more.
Defeat to Russell 'wouldn't look good' - Bottas
Valtteri Bottas has acknowledged the pressure on him in Bahrain, admitting it is "an important weekend" for his status and future in Formula 1. Read more.
Ferrari junior Ilott set for 2021 sabbatical
Callum Ilott says he may have to take a sabbatical in 2020. Read more.
Haas not worried about Mazepin's super licence
Haas boss Gunther Steiner says he is not worried that he has signed up a driver for 2021 who does not currently have a Formula 1 super licence. Read more.
Sainz hopes to test 2020 Ferrari in Abu Dhabi
Carlos Sainz is hoping to join his countryman Fernando Alonso in being allowed to take part in the so-called 'young drivers test' in the days after next weekend's Abu Dhabi finale. Read more.
