Guenther Steiner appeared to play down suggestions Haas could sign Daniel Ricciardo for next season in another blow to the Australian's 2023 hopes.
The 33-year-old will be let go by McLaren at the end of the season, a year earlier than was originally planned. But his ongoing struggles to get to grips with their car have forced them into changing their plans.
Instead, last year's F2 champion Oscar Piastri has been recruited from midfield rivals Alpine, to partner Lando Norris from next season. And Ricciardo has been left with what looks like a rather difficult task of finding himself a drive as the options narrow.
One of the few seats still available for next year is at Haas. Kevin Magnussen's place with the team is secure, but Mick Schumacher is at risk of falling out of F1 after just two seasons in the sport which is synonymous with his father's name.
The German could yet have his contract extended, but Haas have made no secret of the fact they are considering their options. In an interview with Speed Week, Steiner said Schumacher has "delivered very good races" but said the 23-year-old "lacks the consistency to perform well".
Mirror Sport understands Nico Hulkenberg is a genuine contender being considered by Haas, despite having been out of a race seat since 2019. He has since been a reserve driver for Aston Martin, who have just announced F2 champion Felipe Drugovich will take on that role from next season.
Responding to that suggestion, Steiner also brought up Ricciardo's name as he admitted the team would prefer an experienced team-mate for Magnussen. "I've talked to most of the potential drivers, which is my job," he said at Monza.
"There's nothing concrete yet, but we only want to take the smallest risks for the development of the team. You can take a big risk which is great when it works, but it's bad when it doesn't.
"There are none of those [experienced and technical drivers] who are currently on the market. Except maybe Daniel [Ricciardo], but his form isn't great at the moment and we don't know what he's going to do. Maybe he'll sit out a year. As I said, I talk to everyone."
