Haas F1 Announce Nikita Mazepin for 2021 on a ‘Multi-Year’ Deal

Haas have been keeping a clean slate on their 2021 drivers’ line-up, although there were quite a lot of rumors making rounds. Well, one of the rumors have now come true.

Nikita Mazepin will officially make his entry into Formula 1 next season with the American team; the Russian has signed a multi-year deal with his future F1 team.

Months back, Haas decided to let go of both their experienced drivers for 2021. As a replacement, the team were reportedly looking to bring in a couple of rookies rather than running behind another set of experienced drivers.

As days progressed, the puzzles consolidated, and the answer always looked like Mazepin, and possibly, Mick Schumacher.

The Russian racer has past experience in Formula 1 when he took part in in-season testing back in 2018. Force India handed the Russian their VJM11 at the Circuit de Barcelona.

How good is Nikita Mazepin?

One might assume that Mazepin managed to get an F1 seat because of his wealthy background. However, it is entirely wrong, as Mazepin, in general, has been exceptional throughout his racing career.

Mazepin’s ability to assess the conditions and taking the least time to get up to speed is a huge positive on his side. Looking at his two years in F2, he was never aiming for the title during his first season.

Instead, he used the time to learn and understand his car better. He then returned to the following season full of confidence and showcased his true speed.

Mazepin could manage only 11 points in his 2019 F2 season and hence was lurking at the back of the grid throughout the year. However, he returned stronger and is now looking to secure a top three finish this season, lagging just over 40 points behind his potential teammate in F1.

Guenther Steiner delighted to have Mazepin in Haas

Steiner pointed out that Haas’s reason behind choosing Mazepin was because of his strong 2020 season in Formula 2. “I’m delighted that Nikita Mazepin will be driving for Haas F1 Team next season,” he said.

“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.”

Mazepin was part of the 2018 GP3 season. He was racing alongside some of his F2 colleagues Callum Ilott and Anthoine Hubert.

The Russian eventually finished the season in an applaudable P2 and helped his ART Grand Prix secure the constructors’ title. This was the moment when he received an opportunity to race in Formula 2.

Now he has officially reached the top step of the Formula series, with the mid-field team Haas. Haas haven’t looked competitive over this season.

Hence, the team will rely on Mazepin and his yet to reveal teammate to carry them up to the top of the mid-field by as early as 2022. But will Haas find the breakthrough with the fresh faces?