Grosjean and Magnussen confirm departures from Haas

Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen have both confirmed that they will leave the Haas F1 Team at the end of the 2020 season.

The pair announced their exit from the US outfit on social media, but the news was largely expected for both drivers.

“The last chapter is closed and the book is finished,” said Grosjean who joined Haas in its debut season in F1 in 2016.

“I’ve been with Haas F1 Team since day one. Five years during which we went through highs and lows, scored 110 points in 92 races, but the journey was worth it.

“I’ve learned a lot, improved to be a better driver as well as a better man. I hope I’ve also helped people in the team to improve themself. This is probably my biggest pride, more than any of the crazy first races in 2016 or the fourth at the Austrian GP 2018.

“I wish the team all the best for the future.”

The Frenchman’s announcement on Thursday morning was followed minutes later by a similar message from Magnussen.

“The 2020 Formula 1 season will be my last with Haas F1 Team,” wrote the Dane. “I have had a great time with the team for four years and I look back at a great journey.

“Being part of a brand-new team has been a challenge that I thoroughly enjoyed, and it has brought me a huge amount of experience that has helped me grow and develop as a racing driver.”

Magnussen thanked team owner Gene Haas and team boss Guenther Steiner “for their loyalty and trust in me over the past four years”.

“I am still working on my plans for the future, which I will announce in due course,” added Magnussen.

“There are still six races to do this season, and I am determined to give my all to finish off on a high. Thank you all for your support.”

Given the scarcity of opportunities remaining on the F1 grid for 2021, its likely that Grosjean and Magnussen will close the curtain on their careers in Grand Prix racing at the end of the current season.

Read also: Steiner looking at drivers’ ‘sell-by date’ to form 2021 line-up

In a subsequent statement released by Haas, Steiner extended his thanks to both drivers for their “hard work and commitment to the Haas F1 Team over the past few season”.

“Romain was a fundamental part of our establishment as we sought to get a driver onboard with both speed and experience,” added Steiner.

“His results in early 2016 were a just reward, not only for his own talent, but also for the sheer amount of effort the team had put in to be on the grid that season.

“When Kevin joined a season later, we saw an immediate return with both cars scoring points, and of course, our first double points finish in Monaco that year.

“We have a lot of good memories together – in particular our 2018 season when we finished fifth in the standings in only our third season.

“Romain and Kevin played a significant part in that success. Of course, there is still plenty of racing left in the 2020 season.

“It’s been a challenging year, no doubt about that, but both drivers have given their all behind the wheel of the VF-20.

“We value their inputs and experience to keep pushing the team forward through to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in December.”

Grosjean and Magnussen’s departure signifies a complete overhaul of Haas’ driver line-up for 2021, and sets the scene for pay-driver Nikita Mazepin’s graduation to F1, likely alongside a Ferrari junior.

Which one? Mick Schumacher, Robert Shwartzman or Callum Ilott, take your pick.

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