Steiner questions Ricciardo Haas assumptions

Guenther Steiner has criticised assumptions Haas wants to sign Daniel Ricciardo simply because the F1 race winner is now available for hire.

F1 silly season is in full swing after Sebastian Vettel lit the touch paper by announcing his retirement before Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri sent the transfer market into meltdown.

The latest twist saw McLaren and Daniel Ricciardo confirm they will part company at the end of the season.

It has resulted in links quickly drawn between Ricciardo and Haas as there is a space available given Mick Schumacher's contract is up at the end of the year.

Commenting on rumours Haas is in the market for Ricciardo, team principal Steiner said: “Everybody thinks now that we have to take Daniel.

"Maybe we don’t want Daniel. Why do you think he has left McLaren? We need to be careful here.

“It is not just about what you have done, it is about what you can do."

Steiner set for Haas talks over second seat

Asked about Ricciardo's reported £12million salary and Haas' ability to meet the Australian's financial demands, Steiner added: “I’m prudent with paying anybody, not only drivers. So don’t worry about that.

“Everybody is of interest. We look into everybody, but if you don’t have a seat then normally your salary is lower."

Warning that no announcement is imminent, Steiner explained he is to talk with team owner Gene Haas at the coming races to decide on a preferred avenue.

"At the moment, the plan is for Gene to come to Zandvoort and Monza and hopefully, I will find some good time to speak with him about it and make the decisions," he said.

"We will see what we are going to do. Everybody assumes Mick is not here anymore next year, also that is not true.

“Everything is open still. We have not made any decisions about what we are doing next year with the drivers."

Related

Brazilian Grand Prix

F1 team make last-minute driver CHANGE for Brazilian GP

• November 1, 2024 14:57

F1 Social

F1 team announce SHOCK new 'driver' ahead of Brazilian Grand Prix

• October 31, 2024 22:54