F1: Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen retained by Haas for 2019

Haas have confirmed that Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen will continue to drive for the team in the 2019 Formula 1 season.

So far in the 2018 campaign the duo have won 76 points between them, which puts Haas fifth in the F1 constructors’ standings, 15 points behind Renault who are in fourth place.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner said it was an “easy decision” to retain both drivers.

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Speaking ahead of this weekend’s Russian Grand Prix he told F1.com: “From the very beginning, we needed experienced drivers to hasten the development of our car and our team, and we have two very good and experienced drivers in Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen.

“We’ve improved drastically from last year to this year, so retaining both drivers was a pretty easy decision.

“I think the 100-point barrier should be and will be broken, and we’ll do it with Romain and Kevin. Both drivers push each other to be better, and their collective feedback allows us to be better.

“It’s not a coincidence that in their second year as teammates, Haas F1 Team is having its best year. By keeping Romain and Kevin together, we aim to do even better next year.”

Grosjean, 32, said he was “honoured” to be part of the Haas project while Magnussen, 25, said the team’s belief is a key reason for their achievements.

“I’m very happy to continue with Haas F1 Team,” said Grosjean. “Gene Haas has built something very special - something we can make even better - and it’s an honour to be a part of it.”

Dane Magnussen added: “This is a team filled with racers and we’re all striving for the same thing. There’s no bureaucracy and everything is very straightforward. We all believe in each other and that’s why we’ve achieved as much as we have.”

With Haas confirming their line-up, that leaves Racing Point Force India, Toro Rosso and Williams as the three F1 teams still to name their driver partnerships for next year.

2019 drivers confirmed

• Mercedes: Lewis Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas
• Ferrari: Sebastian Vettel and Charles Leclerc
• Red Bull: Max Verstappen and Pierre Gasly
• Renault: Daniel Ricciardo and Nico Hulkenberg
• Haas: Kevin Magnussen and Romain Grosjean
• McLaren: Carlos Sainz and Lando Norris
• Racing Point Force India: TBC
• Toro Rosso: TBC
• Sauber: Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi
• Williams: TBC