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Nikita Mazepin, third in Formula 2, signs a multi-year contract with the Haas team; Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen leaving at the end of 2020; Mick Schumacher will join Mazepin once the F2 season is over
By Matt Morlidge.
Last updated: 01/12/20 9:09 am
Haas has confirmed the first of their drivers for the 2021 Formula 1 season, with Nikita Mazepin signing a multi-year deal with the US team.
Mazepin, third in the Formula 2 standings, is expected to be joined by Mick Schumacher, the championship leader ahead of the final round in Bahrain this weekend, although Haas is awaiting the next announcement.
Haas, who is ninth in the championship after another tough season, is getting young with his driver lineup for next year after having Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen in their cars since 2017.
Mazepin, the 21-year-old from Russia, has had F1 tests with Mercedes and Racing Point in the past, while finishing 2nd in the 2018 GP3 series before two seasons in F2.
“Becoming a Formula 1 driver is a lifelong dream come true for me,” Mazepin said. “I really appreciate the trust placed in me by Gene Haas, Guenther Steiner and the whole team.
“They are giving a young driver a chance and I thank them for that. I am looking forward to starting our relationship together, both on and off the track, and I am naturally eager to continue demonstrating my skills after a strong season. of Formula 2 “.
Team boss Gunther Steiner added: “I am thrilled to see what Nikita can achieve in Formula 1 and we look forward to giving him the opportunity to compete at the highest level in world motorsport.”
Only three drivers have driven for Haas since their debut F1 season in 2016, with Grosjean – who survived with minor burns after a terrible accident last weekend in Bahrain – who started with the team on their journey with Esteban Gutierrez first. of Magnussen’s arrival.
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Mazepin will race for Haas in the next F1 era in 2022 and possibly beyond, with Schumacher serving as a partner.
Schumacher, son of F1 legend and seven-time champion Mick Schumacher, leads Callum Ilott by 14 points in the last two races of the Sakhir GP.
Ilott, another Ferrari-sponsored youngster, has already confirmed he won’t be on the F1 grid next year.
FORMULA 1 2021 GRID CONFIRMED … SO FAR
Mercedes: TBC and Valtteri Bottas
Red Bull: Max Verstappen and TBC
Aston Martin: Sebastian Vettel and Lance Stroll
McLaren: Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris
Renault: Fernando Alonso and Esteban Ocon
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz
AlphaTauri: Pierre Gasly and TBC
Alfa Romeo: Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi
Haas: Nikita Mazepin and TBC
Williams: George Russell and Nicholas Latifi
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