“Not Easy” to bring Haas 2021 F1 Auto to Mazepin

Mazepin made his F1 debut with Haas this year but was the slowest driver to record a time in all four qualifying dates and the last classified finisher in the three races he has run.

Haas chose not to use their eligible development tokens on their 2021 car to focus on next year’s regulations, but the team is grappling with certain aspects of the VF-21 car.

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Mazepin has traditionally performed better in his junior career when he drove with a sturdy rear end of his car, but Steiner said that would be a particular weakness for Haas in 2021.

“What you do to give him what he wants, work what you have – but the difference is that the cars in the junior categories are usually branded, so start with the same base,” Steiner said .

“Obviously, our base this year is not good compared to our opposition. And we know we have a weak rear aerodynamically, so we don’t have enough downforce.

“We’re just trying to catch up on some changes in the setup. That’s the only thing you can do. It is possible to try some circuits and not others. Because of the different corners, it depends a little on where your balance needs to be.

“So with this car, it is not an easy task to find something that he likes because the rear is unstable.”

Steiner said Mazepin did not specifically ask for the rear end to be made more stable, but reported that “the car is nervous when turning”.

Mazepin said fighting the rear of the car was a “consistent issue this year” and admitted that it “doesn’t suit my driving”.

“It’s very difficult to compete with the top teams because they have more downforce and more downforce gives you a more stable and grippy car,” said Mazepin.

“We’re obviously stiffening the rear bar and also playing with the stiffness of the springs [to try and fix it],” he said.

Team mate Mick Schumacher was able to overtake Williams’ Nicholas Latifi in the last race in Spain and finished the race 50 seconds ahead of Mazepin.

The 2020 F2 Champion stated that the Haas car’s looser rear end suited his style and allowed him to get more out of it.

“Everyone knows that some drivers have different driving styles,” said Schumacher.

“For example, I like a loose rear for myself, I enjoy having a strong front. And maybe Nikita doesn’t.

“It’s not like we’re going in completely different directions. Still, we have different preferences when it comes to cars.

“I’m pretty happy where my car is right now.”