Wehrlein plays down Haas rumour

Pascal Wehrlein has played down an early ’silly season’ rumour about a potential switch to Haas for 2017.

The German-language motorsport-magazin.com noticed in Barcelona that Gunther Steiner, Haas’ team boss, was heaping praise on the Mercedes-backed rookie following his debut for Manor this year.

"Wehrlein has surprised me with how well he is doing," Steiner is quoted as saying.

So when asked if he has received an offer for 2017, 21-year-old Wehrlein answered: "From Haas? Why?"

Told that Steiner had hailed him, the German youngster smiled: "I spoke with him once last year, but he absolutely wanted to cooperate with Ferrari."

This year, Haas is fielding Frenchman Romain Grosjean alongside former Ferrari reserve Esteban Gutierrez.