Haas F1 team have this week announced their 2021 driver lineup of Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin.
- It was announced towards the end of November that current drivers Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen would be leaving the American outift.
- On Tuesday morning they confirmed that one seat would be filled by Russian driver, Nikita Mazepin who sits 3rd in the Formula 2 standings.
- Today the team announced that leader of the F2 category and title favourite, Mick Schumacher would fill the remaining seat with the team.
This week Haas ended weeks of speculation over their 2021 lineup, having announced last month that they would field an all new lineup. The rookie pairing are both enjoying very strong campaigns in the Formula 2 feeder category, with Schumacher leading the series and Mazepin placed third having won two races.
Schumacher and Mazepin, both 21 years of age have signed "multi-year agreements" with Haas F1 after impressing this season. Their Team Principal, Gunther Steiner was very complimentary of both signings in his announcements:
“I’m delighted that Nikita Mazepin will be driving for Haas F1 Team next season,” stated Guenther Steiner, Team Principal of Haas F1 Team.
“Nikita has underlined his credentials in Formula 2 this year with a brace of victories and a handful of podiums in what’s been a strong sophomore season for him. He’s developed into a mature racer moving up through the junior ranks – notably most recently in the GP3 Series, where he finished runner-up in 2018, and obviously in Formula 2 over the past two seasons."
“I’m very pleased that we’re able to confirm Mick Schumacher in our driver lineup for next season and I look forward to welcoming him into the team,” stated Guenther Steiner, Team Principal of Haas F1 Team.
“The Formula 2 Championship has long served as a proving ground for talent to showcase their credentials and this year’s field has undoubtedly been one of the most competitive in recent seasons. Mick has won races, collected podiums and excelled against some pretty exceptional talent in 2020."
Nikita Mazepin's single seater career started in Formula Renault 2.0, completing two seasons before a stint in the FIA Formula 3 European Championship, which led to his participation in the GP3 Series in 2018.
Mazepin finished the 2018 GP3 season as runner-up to the late Anthoine Hubert, before graduating to Formula 2 in 2019. His two race wins and consistent performances this season have moved him up into 3rd in the championship, behind Ferrari junior, Callum Ilott and his teammate of next season. The Russian commented on his promotion to Formula One:
“Becoming a Formula 1 driver is a lifelong dream come true for me.
"I really appreciate the trust being put in me by Gene Haas, Guenther Steiner, and the whole of the team. They’re giving a young driver an opportunity and I thank them for that.
"I’m looking forward to starting our relationship together, both on and off the track, and I’m naturally keen to continue to demonstrate my abilities after a strong Formula 2 season."
Mick Schumacher, son of seven-time world champion, Michael Schumacher began his single-seater career in 2015 with his participation in German Formula 4. He went on to win the European Formula 3 championship in 2018 with an impressive eight victories.
The Ferrari junior driver made his F1 debut during a test at Bahrain, driving for both Ferrari and Alfa Romeo. Schumacher had the following to say about his confirmation as a Haas driver:
“The prospect of being on the Formula 1 grid next year makes me incredibly happy and I’m simply speechless.
“I would like to thank Haas F1 Team, Scuderia Ferrari and the Ferrari Driver Academy for placing their trust in me. I also want to acknowledge and extend my love to my parents – I know that I owe them everything. I have always believed that I would realize my dream of Formula 1.
"A huge thank you must also go to all the great motorsport fans out there who have supported me throughout my career. I will give it my all, as I always do, and I look forward to going on this journey together with Haas F1 and them.”
The announcements by Haas mean that only three seats are left unfilled for 2021. Mercedes, Red Bull and AlphaTauri each have one seat available as we head into the penultimate race weekend of the current season.
It is widely expected that Mercedes will retain Lewis Hamilton, although contract talks have supposedly not started as yet.
Meanwhile it looks likely that Max Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull will either be Alexander Albon, who currently has the seat, or Sergio Perez who is currently without a drive for next season, despite commanding 5th in the championship having missed a race through illness.
Finally, AlphaTauri are yet to announce whether they will continue with Daniil Kvyat, or offer a chance to Red Bull junior Yuki Tsunoda. As we head into the last couple of races of this season, there is still plenty of time for silly season drama.