On the night of the Russian Grand Prix, Haas revealed that Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin would be returning for another season, leaving only one spot on the 2022 grid available.
Lawrence Barretto, Senior Writer for F1.com, examines the reasons for the decision.
Overview
Guenther Steiner agreed to bring Mick Schumacher – the son of seven-time world champion Michael – into Formula One with the idea of running him for at least two seasons, so it’s no surprise that the German has been confirmed for the 2022 season.
So far in his debut season, Schumacher has performed admirably. Yes, mistakes have been made, like as crashing at the pit exit at Imola during a Safety Car period.
But that’s to be expected from a new driver getting his bearings in a difficult – and slow – vehicle.
There have been some encouraging moments, such as setting a time good enough for Q2 in France with a car that is by far the slowest in the field. The German has impressed the team, as has Ferrari, where he is still a part of their junior program.
For several years, Ferrari has collaborated with Schumacher.
They are aware that he needs time to adjust to a new championship. So it’s no surprise that he hasn’t destroyed teammate Nikita Mazepin from the start.
The perfect scenario for the Scuderia to properly evaluate Schumacher is the second season in now-familiar surroundings, in a car that should be significantly better next year.
Haas was the first team to switch full resources to the rule change for next year, and they will continue to take many parts from their technical partnership with Ferrari, which will include an all-new power unit expected to be a good step forward.
Schumacher has a history of kicking on in his second season with a team. Which is good for Haas as they hope to become regular points scorers next year. Running a driver with a famous surname. Who is appealing to sponsors, continues to benefit the company’s stature and money balance.
Now it’s up to Schumacher Jr. to show he’s capable.
Guenther Steiner signed to bring Mick Schumacher back to F1
Mick Schumacher has revealed that he has yet to sign a contract with Haas for 2022. The German rookie is presently focused on his track performance. And intends to wait until the summer break to make a decision.
Guenther Steiner, the CEO of Haas, is optimistic that the purchase will be completed. He justified the delay as a result of Ferrari’s involvement as a shareholder in Schumacher.
Haas presently has no purpose and is ranked last in the Constructors’ Standings. They’ve moved their focus to the 2022 season. When a slew of new regulations, including a new car idea, will take effect.
Why Haas retained Mazepin and Schumacher
After securing Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin for the 2022 Formula One season. Haas will keep the same driver lineup for the next year.
Schumacher and Mazepin, both F1 rookies, graduated from Formula 2. Which was always described as a transition year for the company.
The 2017 season will be a bigger test for both drivers. As Haas attempts to reclaim its place in the F1 midfield.
Haas chose to focus its efforts on the new technical rules that will be implemented in 2022. By doing minimal development work on its 2021 car.
This meant the team accepted that it would spend the season at the rear of the grid. It is on track to have its first season without a point in Formula One.
Over the course of the season, reigning F2 champion Schumacher, a Ferrari protégé, has been the better performance.
He’s only advanced to the second round of qualifying once, in France. But he’s been ousted in Q1 at every other event, whereas Mazepin has never advanced to the second round.
Mazepin’s best finish is 14th in Azerbaijan, while Schumacher’s best finish is 12th at the attrition-plagued Hungarian Grand Prix.
The season has been compounded by a developing split between the two drivers. Who have clashed on multiple occasions on the track and have plainly fallen out as the season progressed.
Despite reports that Schumacher’s camp looked into the idea of him transferring to Alfa Romeo. Another Ferrari client team that Schumacher has previously tested for.
Mazepin’s funding and Ferrari’s ownership over one of the Haas slots meant both drivers were likely to stay in 2022.
“We knew we wanted continuity behind the wheel in 2022 and I’m happy to confirm exactly that,” 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 rigours 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 and Mazepin respond to Haas
Haas F1 has confirmed that Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin will be retained for the 2022 season.
Both Schumacher and Mazepin are making their Formula One debuts, while Haas is in its seventh season.
Mazepin is the son of a Russian billionaire who owns Uralkali, the team’s main sponsor. Schumacher is the son of Ferrari legend and seven-time world winner Michael.
The team’s engines are provided by Ferrari, and Schumacher is a member of their driving academy.
After a learning year for both drivers, Guenther Steiner stated in a statement that the team sought stability for 2022, the start of a new era with big rule changes.
“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 One campaign,” he said.
“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 One careers.”
“By being part of the Formula One field, I am living my dream,” said Schumacher.
In a second statement, Ferrari racing director Laurent Mekies said Schumacher had showed “speed, determination, a good work ethic, and a desire and aptitude to learn.”
“We are very confident that he will continue to make even more progress in a team that shares his ambitions,” he added.
With its new vehicle, constructed to significantly different technical standards. Schumacher believes the team will be able to contend for points next year.
“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,” said Schumacher.
“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, Russia’s only current Formula One driver, who is gearing up for a home race in Sochi this weekend, expressed enthusiasm for 2022.
“Very excited for next year, the new car and simply just to get the opportunity with Haas F1 Team and grow together with them,” he said.
Read More: Steiner lashes out at Haas critics – “If you’re last, that doesn’t make you stupid”