Nikita Mazepin has signed a multi-year contract for Haas for the 2021 F1 season.
The Russian, who is currently third in the F2 classification, has scored two feature wins this season and finished second in the sprint race in Bahrain on Sunday.
Mazepin has tested several times in Formula 1 machines, which can be traced back to a run with Force India in 2017 and a test with Mercedes last season in Barcelona during a test during the season.
“I am very happy that Nikita Mazepin will drive for the Haas F1 Team next season,” said Haas team boss Günther Steiner. “Nikita underscored his Formula 2 qualifications this year with a string of wins and a handful of podiums in what was for him a strong second season.
“He has developed into a mature racing driver who moves up through the junior ranks – especially in the GP3 series, where he finished second in 2018, and obviously in Formula 2 in the last two seasons. I’m excited to see what Nikita can achieve in Formula 1, and we’re looking forward to giving him the opportunity to drive at the highest level in global motorsport. With a record of 23 racing plans for the 2021 Formula 1 World Championship, he’ll see plenty of action on the track to get to know all the nuances of Grand Prix racing. “
Mazepin currently ranks third in the F2 rankings in the finals of the season in Sakhir. He still has a chance of being crowned champion, although his chances are slim, 43 points behind leader and potential 21 Haas teammate Mick Schumacher.
The Russian driver, whose father has been linked to taking over the American team, said: “To become a Formula 1 driver is a dream for me.
“I appreciate the trust that Gene Haas, Günther Steiner and the entire team have placed in me. They are giving an opportunity to a young driver and I thank them for that. I’m looking forward to starting our relationship together on and off the track, and of course I’m very interested in further demonstrating my skills after a strong Formula 2 season. The team will be asking for feedback and input as they refine their package for 2021 and beyond. I will take on this responsibility and I can’t wait to get started. “
The post Nikita Mazepin secures Haas F1 drive for 2021 first appeared on monter-une-startup.
