Haas are still yet to confirm who will drive alongside Kevin Magnussen for them in 2023 – but they have at least narrowed the options a little.
Team boss Guenther Steiner has been very closed about the process in recent weeks despite regular questions from reporters on the topic. Mick Schumacher currently holds the seat, but continues to wait nervously to find out if his contract will be renewed.
If not, then there is no shortage of options available to Haas with several established Formula 1 drivers keen on a 2023 berth. There are some impressive rookies waiting for their chance as well, but Steiner has poured cold water on that idea.
After a very difficult 2021 season which saw them race with two rookies and earn no points, it seems the team chief is keen on having more experience around. "I would say I'm done in the moment with rookies for the foreseeable future," he said.
"But I mean, we need to see what is best for the team or who’s the best person or who is the best driver to bring the team forward."
And Haas are unlikely to make a decision any time soon. Steiner has repeatedly said throughout this process that the last thing he wants to do is rush, and he made that clear once again when asked if the team is any closer to revealing who will fill the seat next year.
"Still thinking, you know, we want to take our time to make sure that next year at no stage we think 'we did this too quick' – because we don't need to be in a hurry now," he added. "There is not a lot out there anymore on open seats and drivers. There's not a lot of options, so we just want to make sure that we take the right decision and have no regrets next year."
Schumacher still has a decent chance of keeping his place with the team and in the sport, provided he can produce some decent results between now and the end of the season. Meanwhile, a potential rival for his place could be fellow German Nico Hulkenberg, who has not held a race seat since 2019.
Daniel Ricciardo has been consistently linked with Haas since his McLaren axing was confirmed. But, according to reports, he is edging closer to a deal with Mercedes to become a reserve driver for them next season.
