Haas Driver Nikita Mazepin Fires a Veiled Warning to Rest of the F1 Grid

The Haas F1 Team had a disastrous 2021 campaign as they were a permanent presence in the last spot in the constructors’ standings. The team decided to let go of their entire driver line-up in the 2020 season and brought in two rookies as replacements. F2 stars Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin donned the Haas outfit for 2021 replacing Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen.

On a grid dominated by seasoned drivers, it is never easy for a rookie to perform exceptionally. While Schumacher managed his way into Q2 on over one occasion, Mazepin couldn’t find his way beyond Q3 for the entire season. In terms of raw pace, Haas was a little off compared to other teams.

In a recent interview, Mazepin rated himself handsomely for sticking through a tough season. The Russian feels he will put up a better fight in 2022 if Haas provides him with a good enough car.

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Nikita Mazepin feels ready for 2022

One thing which everyone would agree with is that Haas had the slowest car in the latest season. The two drivers were left stranded at the back of the grid for most of the season, mostly competing with each other. Mazepin rates himself highly for clinging through the hardships in the entire 2021 season.

However, now that Mazepin and Schumacher have valuable experience behind them, they will surely up their game in 2022. In a recent interview with Motorsport, Nikita Mazepin had similar thoughts. When asked about his preparation for the upcoming battle, he said, “Of course I am. I feel 100% ready.”

“I feel like I have that confidence, I remember it was very scary in the first race in Bahrain because the cars are very long and wide. But now I’m in a good place, so driving a more balanced car and more predictable car should make it easier and more enjoyable,” said The Russian.

The midfield battles are never easy in F1. Apart from a drivers’ skills, the car plays a crucial role as well. Mazepin is in a better place as a driver but the team has to provide him with a competitive car.

“I think overall it [the season] was positive. We made huge steps forward in my confidence and in my understanding from the point where we started,” added Mazepin.

“So you know, life in F1 isn’t consistent to anyone. But we always knew what we were going into, and ’22 is the year when we put things together. And I think I’m in a good place to do exactly that,” concluded the 22-year-old.

With new regulations in place, we can expect some shift in the power dynamics on the grid. Hopefully, the Haas team can make a comeback after a disastrous season in 2021.

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