Pascal Wehrlein plays down Haas rumour

Pascal Wehrlein of Germany and Manor poses for a portrait during day one of F1 winter testing at Circuit de Catalunya on March 1, 2016
© Getty Images
Pascal Wehrlein plays down an early 'silly season' rumour about a potential switch to Haas for 2017.

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's 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.

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 said: "I spoke with him once last year, but he absolutely wanted to cooperate with Ferrari."

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

Romain Grosjean of Haas F1 in the paddock ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix of China at Shanghai International Circuit on April 17, 2016
Read Next:
Grosjean blames 'adrenaline' for Ericsson attack
>