Haas has floated the possibility of signing Daniel Ricciardo in the 2024 season if current drivers Kevin Magnussen and Nico Hulkenberg do not perform this year.
“It’s a bit early to speak about a driver change already for next year so let’s see what we are doing with these drivers (first),” Steiner said.
“For sure at some point maybe I’ll speak with him, but I cannot promise anything.”
The Haas team principal has the chance to sign Ricciardo for the 2023 season but was dissuaded from doing so due to the Australian’s salary demands, according to a scene from the Netflix series Drive to Survive.
READ: ‘Signs’: Daniel Ricciardo hints at Formula 1 return
In a scene from the show, Magnussen had expressed interest in partnering with Ricciardo but Steiner was clear that the team “can’t afford him,” revealing he wanted “10 f***ing million minimum.”
Magnussen is believed to be on around $5 million, so Ricciardo’s salary would’ve been double that of his teammate.
Ricciardo’s reported salary request was significantly lower than the $42 million he was on at Renault and $17 million he was believed to be on McLaren.
33-year-old Ricciardo has returned Formula 1 paddock for the first time in the 2023 season for the Australian Grand Prix, his home race, and it’s easy to see why teams might be interested in signing him up.
READ: Daniel Ricciardo gets back behind the wheel of a Red Bull
The support for Ricciardo remains strong in Melbourne, with signs around the circuit supporting the Red Bull reserve driver even with him remaining in the garage for the race.
Ricciardo’s replacement at McLaren, Oscar Piastri has, so far, struggled for success at the team, as he was forced to retire early in the first race and finished in 15th in Saudi Arabia.
Heading into the race in his hometown, Piastri will be hoping for a chance to finally shine, having shown his potential with a 12th spot finish during Friday’s practice session.