Haas F1 Giving Mazepin and Schumacher ‘the Chance to Make Mistakes’ in 2021

The All American F1 team, Haas is changing their 2021 strategy as they focus on a young driver line up. The team will host Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher next season, hoping to strike the right balance between skill and finances within the team.

Haas had a really difficult COVID-affected season. They finished 2018 in P5; however, they have since seen a significant decline in their performance. They finished the last two seasons in P9 position and managed only three points this season.

The American team is taking a gamble with two new drivers next season, and Guenther Steiner discussed their strategy.

“It was the right time to change the drivers, considering that 2021 will be a year of transition,” he said.

“And I’m confident. We start from a premise: to learn you have to act and we want to give Schumacher and Mazepin the chance to make mistakes. In 2022 there will be a change of regulation that will offer many opportunities,” Steiner explained.

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Steiner explains Haas F1’s young lineup decision

Haas has seen some financial constraints since the Rich energy saga. A younger driver lineup is easier on the team’s pocket and allows for a developing relationship. Moreover, Haas’ previous driver lineup was not working according to their expectations.

“Drivers are the primary asset of a team and we needed a shock. Young people are imposing themselves in F1: I am thinking of Leclerc who won races in the second season, of Norris who is doing very well.”

Haas F1 boss further explained. “Moreover, on a financial level, they cost much less and we prefer to invest money in the 2022 car rather than in the drivers.”

As a Ferrari customer car, Haas has also experienced significant power unit struggles this season. The team does not expect a lot from next season. However, they hope that the drivers and the team will come back much stronger in 2022 and deliver better results.