Esteban Gutiérrez qualified 11th for the German Grand Prix. He lines up behind the Mercedes powered Force India of Sergio Perez. In P10 and to Gutierrez’s right front is the Mercedes powered Williams of Felipe Massa. Behind him are the Honda powered McLarens of Button in 12th and Alonso in 13th.
Gutierrez out qualified both McClarens, both Renaults, both toro Rosso’s, both Manors, both Saubers and…. drumroll… his teammate romain Grosjean. Grosjean’s 15th position in qualifying was rewarded with a further 5 grid bump to the back due. A spin in free practice 3 damaged his gearbox (transmission). Per Formula 1 rules, the Haas f1 Team Grosjean specifically, were penalized 5 grip spots for the swap. The penalty may be more than Grosjean can overcome to earn points.
Esteban Gutierrez has been showing steady improvement throughout the year. He retired from the first and second race. But he as since completed the rest of the races to this point. After 11 races Esteban Gutierrez has completed the last 9 races. Of his 9 finishes he’s got three 11th places finishes, which are his best in a Haas car. Spain, Montreal and Austria he was knocking at the door but denied. the car is proving reliable. He has out performed his teammate Grosjean in 6 of the last 7 races. Esteban is increasing his value to the team with each drive. Gunther Steiner, Haas f1 Team Principal, stated that the team will shift it’s development focus to the 2017 chassis. As long as Gutierrez is finishing races he is doing his job. But as his performance demonstrates a trajectory forward, he makes Gene Haas’s driver decision with each race. The less Haas has to worry about driver lineup provides more stability for the development platform.
And after the German Grand Prix we can expect the F1 silly season of rumors to begin. I’ll throw out my suspicions about the Haas driver lineup.
Does Romain Grosjean have Renault dreams? I’ve written previously that Renault would be his dream job. As the entire season is about to pop like a toaster over… we could see some musical chairs…
Assume Haas likes what Gutierrez is doing and he continues along his trajectory, I think Esteban stays. Renault had to adapt the Lotus Chassis to fit their engine. But next year will be a ground up design entirely new, entirely Renault. Grosjean has proven himself a valuable development driver. Renault could use him next year and I think Romain would love it… maybe i’m wrong. But i don’t think i am.
So as the silly season commences i’ll be thinking about Grosjean’s seat. Indications are that McClaren may be ready to break ties with Jensen Button… Bang! If Alonso leaves F1 .
So there is a little mind blurb that’s been building. Maybe I’m wrong, they keem Grosjean and axe Esteban… if we can stay pat, and Romain is happy, then the team is better off. Esteban Gutierrez is tired of 11th place finishes. But this time he’s got an 11th place start. If ever he was in a position to score points it’s now. His start will be critical… I think we will see Haas score points in Germany and Esteban will further his case that he is the right guy at the right time!