Steiner: Grosjean and Magnussen could return as cover for coronavirus hit drivers

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner has said Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen could return to the grid this year should the drivers who replaced them, Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin, contract coronavirus and be forced to miss races.

The American team has yet to name an official replacement driver for the 2021 season, and Steiner said while it is in discussions with other prospects such as Pietro Fittipaldi who filled in for Grosjean at the Sakhir Grand Prix last year, its two former drivers could still make a comeback- if only temporarily.

“I wouldn't mind if they're free," Steiner told Motorsport-Total.com. "I think they would like to come back too. I didn't ask them, but I don't think they have any bad feelings."

However, Steiner said that the priority for the team remained appointing an official reserve driver rather than relying on temporary cover.

"I think we have to bring a third driver with us this year like we did last year because of COVID. You never know when it will hit you. If you ever need a third driver on the track, it's now," he said.