The American F1 team announce same driver line-up for upcoming season.
Haas have announced on Thursday that they will be sticking with their current driver pairing of Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin for the 2022 season.
Both Schumacher and Mazepin, who are in their rookie season, have had a tough debut season mainly due to the fact that the machinery under them has been uncompetitive. Haas are the only team this season that have failed to score points till date and have been comfortably off-pace even from their bottom-of-the-table rivals, Alfa Romeo and Williams.
The two drivers, who joined the team from Formula 2 in 2021, have made things harder for the team after coming together on track multiple times, which has hampered their progress.
Speaking about their retention, Team Principal, Guenther Steiner, said:
“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, who won the F2 championship in 2020, has been the only Haas driver to have made it out of Q1 this season. The son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher spoke about his ambitions ahead, stating:
“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.
“I’m looking forward to being part of a team that is getting stronger, and I’ll do everything I can from my side to move us forward. Finally, I would like to thank the Ferrari Driver Academy for the trust they continue to give me and the support they have shown me over the years.”
Schumacher’s teammate Nikita Mazepin, whose father, Dmitry Mazepin, is a major stakeholder in Uralkali – the principal sponsor of Haas, commented:
“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.”
With Schumacher and Mazepin’s retention, the grid for the upcoming season is more or less confirmed, with only the second seat at Alfa Romeo being available.
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