Haas confirm Schumacher and Mazepin for 2022

Haas will field an unchanged line-up for next season with both Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin staying with the team for 2022.

The two rookies joined the American outfit from Formula 2, and have battled all season long with an uncompetitive car after Haas decided to concentrate their resources on building a new challenger for the sweeping rules change coming into force next season.

And the team confirmed on Thursday that the pair – who have clashed on track a number of times this season, including at Monza and Zandvoort – would be driving that car into the new era of Grand Prix racing.

“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,” said Team Principal Guenther Steiner.

“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.”

BEYOND THE GRID: Nikita Mazepin on his debut F1 season, racing Mick Schumacher and learning with Haas

Schumacher said he is excited by the prospect of driving a car that should allow him to fight for points, after a tough first year in the sport.

“By being part of the Formula 1 field, I am living my dream,” he said. “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.

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“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.”

Nikita Mazepin added: “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.”

This confirmation means there is now just one seat left to be filled for next year – the second Alfa Romeo drive alongside Valtteri Bottas, who will be joining from Mercedes.

F2 racer Guanyu Zhou and Formula E champion Nyck de Vries have both been linked with it, while incumbent Antonio Giovinazzi is doing his best to prove he should get another year with the team.