Haas team principal Guenther Steiner is fully expecting Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean to be looking at other options for a 2021 drive.
The futures of the two Haas drivers beyond this season are currently in limbo as the team has yet to make a decision on its line-up, with a number of contenders in the frame.
Steiner does not believe Magnussen and Grosjean are anxiously waiting for a phone call as to whether they have been retained or not, and is instead confident they have been speaking to potential future employers within F1 and beyond.
Asked whether there was a point the Dane and Frenchman needed to know their futures to explore other avenues, Steiner said: “I would say yes, and if I would know exactly as such, I would tell them as quick as possible as to what we are doing.
"They deserve that, staying or not staying, whatever happens, they need to be the first ones to know as soon as we make the decision.
"It is a very unusual year for us, normally we’re pretty good on that stuff, but it's taking us a bit longer.
"On the other side, I’m sure they’re not just waiting at home for me to tell them yes or no, they’re looking out anyway. That’s what
everybody does and I don’t blame them."
From his own perspective, Steiner has confirmed talks with others, but that does not mean that driver will be joining the team.
"I always say I speak with a lot of people, what is available and what not," added Steiner. "That doesn’t mean if you speak with somebody and ask about their availability, you make a commitment and the same is on their side.
"They will speak to other race teams, other people, or at least I hope they do because that is their manager’s job. That is what they have these guys around for.
"So I’m not upset if they speak to other people until we are ready to tell them if they’re staying or not.”
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