Former Marussia F1 Team driver Max Chilton has admitted he has been in talks with Gene Haas to drive for the American’s team in 2016, but feels he is unlikely to be chosen for one of the seats at the outfit.
The British driver, who raced for Marussia in 2013 and 2014 before racing Indy Lights with Carlin in 2015 as well as with Nissan in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, revealed that talks with Haas had occurred, but feels there are other drivers better placed to take the drives on offer.
I’ve definitely put my foot in the door and we’ve had a few chats,” revealed Chilton to Sky Sports. “They came out a few weeks ago and said they were talking to 10 drivers, so I am definitely one of those.
“I’d love the chance, but I have a strong feeling it is going to be one young Ferrari driver [Esteban Gutierrez], because it is hugely a Ferrari project – they have Ferrari engines and are using their windtunnel.
“Then I hear they want an experienced driver. I like to think I am experienced, but if they want a really experienced driver I think there are only a certain number of drivers on that grid.
“So I think it will be [Nico] Hulkenberg. I can’t see Jenson [Button] going there, but I can’t see many other experienced drivers that are free for next year.
“I’d like to think I have a chance, but it is probably not going to happen.”