F1: could Haas replace Romain Grosjean with Esteban Ocon before German GP?

Ocon to replace Grosjean at Haas?

According to reports Romain Grosjean could be dropped from Haas and replaced by Esteban Ocon - potentially before the next Formula 1 grand prix in Germany on 28 July.

Haas drivers Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen collided at the British Grand Prix last weekend and were both forced to retire at Silverstone.

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Team boss Guenther Steiner was furious with his drivers and GPToday reports that Grosjean admitted he was expecting a call to go to the “boss’ office”.

GrandPrix247 says that Haas could wave goodbye to one, or both, of their drivers.

Speaking after the British GP debacle Steiner said: “I don’t want to blame one of them right now, but I don’t like the situation.

“I need to think about it with a clear head and find out what we do. That’s my job. Because that’s not acceptable.

“I don’t have the solution now but I have to find out how we move forward. For me, this is a question of the team above the individual.”

‘Permission to fire a driver’

Steiner is said to be a big fan of Ocon and GPBlog reports that he feels the Frenchman “would do a better job than both of his drivers”.

An F1 insider posted on Reddit: “I’m close to someone who has been at a number of the races with great access. [The mods have seen evidence of this].

“What I’m hearing is that after the British GP, Steiner was furious at the drivers, blew up at them [for obvious reasons] and phoned Gene Haas for permission to fire a driver.

“Word in the paddock is that they are looking at Ocon to replace Grosjean. If possible, by the next Grand Prix. That’s all I can say, for now, If this turns out to be correct, I'll be back with more.”

Perez or Rossi also options?

Ocon is not the only driver linked with a move to Haas - Sergio Perez and Alexander Rossi are also considered as potential options.

Grosjean is the driver most likely to leave Haas and Perez could replace him. GrandPrix247 reports that Mexican Perez could lose his spot at Racing Point with Ocon returning.

Meanwhile, Californian driver Rossi could be given “a crack at the big time with the American team”.