Haas Retains Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin for 2022
Haas driver Mick Schumacher attends the press conference in Sochi, Russia, Sept. 23, 2021. Photo Credit: Xavi Bonilla/DPPI, Pool via AP.

Ferrari Driver Academy member Mick Schumacher has re-signed with the American team for the upcoming season. He will partner with Russia’s Nikita Mazepin, also retained by the Uralkali Haas F1 Team.

Mick Schumacher graduated to Formula One after winning the FIA Formula 2 Championship in 2020 with Prema Racing.

Born in Switzerland, the son of seven-time Formula One World Champion Michael Schumacher is going through a difficult season with a package that notably lacks performance.

Following its driver’s lineup confirmation, the team powered by Ferrari makes clear its focus to become a competitive midfield squad again is based on continuity and the opportunities 2022 may bring.

Next season, a new era begins in Formula One as the new technical regulations come into force, aiming to bring the field closer together.

In that regard, Team Principal Guenther Steiner commented: “We knew we wanted continuity behind the wheel in 2022, and I’m happy to confirm exactly that with Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin competing for Uralkali Haas F1 Team next year. 2021 has afforded both drivers the opportunity to learn Formula 1 - and as rookies - they’ve done a lot of that this year.

It’s been a tough season for sure with the package we’ve had, but at the same time, they’ve both embraced the challenge and worked closely with the team to learn our processes and adapt to the rigors of a Formula 1 campaign and all that brings - both internally and externally.

Now, as we look ahead to the 2022 season, we’re confident we can move forward as a team and give Mick and Nikita a competitive race package to make the next step in their Formula 1 careers.”

Schumacher achieved his best result thus far, this season, at the Hungarian Grand Prix, finishing 13th in the race.

Later, the German got promoted to 12th following Aston Martin’s Sebastian Vettel disqualification.

In his first season in Formula 1, Mick confirmed the qualities and abilities that had characterized the early stages of his career to date,” commented Laurent Mekies, Scuderia Ferrari Racing Director.

Speed determination, a strong work ethic, and a desire and ability to learn are some of the qualities that have stood out during his time with our Academy and in his first year with Haas. We are very confident that he will continue to make even more progress in a team that shares his ambitions,” Mekies added.

With over half of a 22-race season completed, Schumacher looks forward to starting his second consecutive year at the pinnacle of motorsport.

By being part of the Formula 1 field, I am living my dream. The first year together with Haas F1 is very exciting and instructive, and I’m sure I can bring all the experience I’ve gained into the coming year. New technical regulations, the impressive ambition of the entire Haas F1 team, and the support of Ferrari - of course, I believe this will bring us closer to the field in the 2022 season, and we will be able to fight for points.”

MAZEPIN FIRST HOME RACE IN F1

Ahead of Nikita Mazepin’s home race this weekend - the Russian Grand Prix - Haas sits last in the constructor’s championship, having scored zero points thus far.

Speaking about the opportunity to continue his journey with the team into its seventh season in the sport in 2022, Mazepin said: “I’m very excited for next year, the new car and simply just to get the opportunity with Haas F1 Team and grow together with them. I think we will come out strong next year.

The 22-year-old will be racing on home soil this weekend for the first time behind the wheel of the Haas VF-21 challenger.

In 2020, while competing in the 2020 FIA Formula 2 Championship, Mazepin achieved a second-place finish in the sprint race held in Sochi.

I’ve been on the podium twice and taken pole position there. It’s a circuit I genuinely enjoy driving, not that we will be doing much this year,” he stated.

Adding: “There’s a very long straight with DRS in, and in junior categories, I’ve done a few very nice overtakes there. It’s always nice to be on the podium in any race, and if it’s your home race, it is even better.

Designed by architect Hermann Tilke, the circuit of Sochi is built around the Sochi Olympic Park and has served as home to the Grand Prix racing weekend in Russia since 2014, but from 2023 onwards, it will move to Igora Drive.

The Autodrom, located outside St Petersburg, also features Tilke’s design, spanning 4.086 km (2.538 mi).

Last season, the FIA awarded Igora Drive a Grade 1 status.

Cecilia demartini
Sports Pundit staff writer @ceci_2812
Cecilia is a writer and journalist, passionate about motorsport and tennis.Her articles are published in newspapers and international online publications.

Comment on This Article

0 comments
Reply to