Nikita Mazepin: Experienced substitute driver would be “good help”

Nikita Mazepin believes having an experienced replacement driver available for the next season could help Haas.

In Mazepin and other rookies Mick Schumacher, the American owned team conveniently has the least experienced pairing on the grid and will be back next year.

In view of this and the fact that in 2022 more work than ever before will be required for the drivers to help the teams understand their cars due to the new regulations, team boss Günther Steiner has revealed Haas consider hiring a replacement driver.

“You are absolutely right, we have no reference, the reference is missing. And that’s an experienced driver, ”said the Italian, quoted by Autosport.

“So I’m not sure how we’re going to do this, there is more than one way to do these things. We talked a little bit about it but didn’t really do anything.

“But I want to see her [Schumacher and Mazepin] get on. And you can see a lot from data, how much they have improved and stuff like that. You can get a lot of information.

“When we get there, we’ll find a solution for that too, if we have to, and I’m not sure we need that.”

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However, the team boss expressed concern that Mazepin and Schumacher, who are inexperienced themselves, could need this time on the track if a substitute driver appears in the practice sessions.

Even so, the Russian would be open to it, believing an older rider in reserve could help the team for the next year and beyond.

Indeed, if it were up to him, he would appreciate the extra help but says it shouldn’t be his word.

“I’ve never been asked that question before and I don’t think drivers can choose it, I don’t think that’s right,” he said.

“But if I should be asked, I think that more help in the position we are in now is good help.

“I’m open to any solution, but Günther is the team manager and he has to make these decisions, not me – I’m too young for that.”

PlanetF1 verdict