Despite Opening the Doors for Daniel Ricciardo, Steiner Reveals Conversations With Tempting Driver Option For Haas F1 Seat

Almost every team has announced its lineup for the 2023 season in Formula 1. Haas is among the teams that haven’t. That is because Mick Schumacher has not just arguably failed to prove his worth in points, but also because he has proven to be costly with crashes that have caused too much damage to the cars.

While Haas hasn’t yet ruled on Mick’s situation yet, them looking elsewhere for talent is no secret either. They are currently weighing their options between Mick, Nico Hulkenberg, and McLaren’s out-of-favor senior driver Daniel Ricciardo. Team principal Guenther Steiner recently opened up on how the situation is at the moment.

Will Haas go with Nico Hulkenberg, or is Daniel Ricciardo still on the cards?

Daniel Ricciardo is currently in his 2nd year of the 3-year contract. However, his failure to deliver prompted the team and him to part ways mutually at the end of the season. Following the announcement of McLaren signing his fellow Australian Oscar Piastri, the Honey Badger has decided to take a year off from Formula 1.

Haas boss Guenther Steiner rates him high and admitted to approaching him to join them next season. He also admitted being in contact with Aston Martin reserve driver Nico Hulkenberg.

Speaking about Nico’s situation with RTL, he said, “I spoke to him.”

“I’ve known Nico for a long time – better than I know Daniel.”

Steiner, talking with the Associated Press told that he also approached Daniel Ricciardo, but he seemed uninterested. “If he’s interested in us, he’s not shy to call me up.”

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He continued, “I want him to decide what he wants to do for himself, first, before being talked into something. I think he’s a good driver and I don’t know how he got in the situation he’s in now, but I think he needs to come clean with himself and decide what he’s going to do.”

“For us, he would be a big hit. He was a race winner just last year. I rate him as a driver and I have no idea why he doesn’t perform right now.”

Nico Hulkenberg drops a huge hint

The German driver recently opened up on his training regime and admitted how he is not currently training hard as he is needed only by the team in emergency situations.

However, what caught the attention was his hint at a return as a regular driver next season. He said, “Maybe there is an opportunity for next year, for the future. So recently I’ve been picking up the training intensity.”

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With Schumacher not ruled out yet, and the team being in touch with other drivers, Haas’ transfer saga will go on further. So sit back and enjoy the drama as it unfolds.