It’s safe to say that last year has been a disaster for the midfielders Uralkali Haas F1 Team. The team had steadily declined from its record high in 2018 and was only able to collect just under 3 points during the entire 2020 season. As Haas finished ninth year in the Constructors’ Championship, he had a number of serious questions about what the future would be like formula 1.
The team’s dismal performance was due to a multitude of technical and political errors, all of which led to a disaster for the American team: a bad engine from an engine supplier Ferrari, a twitching chassis with great potential to throw the driver off track, and a budget that was really reaching its limits.
An interesting new philosophy
“But surely the team can get back on their feet after a difficult season?” I hear you ask
Unfortunately, the answer is probably not. Haas seems to have made a pretty big change to his “game plan”, so to speak, to maximize their chances of hitting the top spot in the next five or so years, and the new approach in question is likely to confuse a number of fans.
Credit: Mark Sutton / LAT Images
When registering in the Concorde agreement Haas, who are guaranteeing their spot on the F1 grid for the foreseeable future, has essentially made the decision to sacrifice their 2021 season to improve their development plans for 2022 and beyond. This gives the relatively small brand more time to invest in research and development for the upcoming championship, and allows them to save money and ensure their financial stability is maintained.
It makes sense to do this not only to maximize development time, but also to prepare for the revolutionary rule change that coincides with the 2022 season. In the hope that the field of play will be leveled a little, the American team will take the opportunity to claim the title in the next few seasons when the balance of power fluctuates.
However, that means 2021 will be a tough ride for Haas. Team boss Guenther Steiner has previously stated that the year will be “challenging” as the focus has shifted entirely to the 22-series car, making the 21-series car a “pointless” project. Chances are, Haas could be at the bottom of the list this season Williams Racing not so coveted place in the back of the field …
A brand new line-up
Photo credit: Uralkali Haas F1 Team
Although the team has given up car development for 2021, it certainly hasn’t given up driver development. This year, two new rookies appear in the glitz and glamor of the Formula 1 paddock, with new title sponsorship and well-known names.
The first of the two youngsters who ventured into unknown territory at the height of motorsport is controversial Nikita Mazepin. While he showed promise during his previous stint Formula 2, The Russian did not make his transition to the upper level of driving competition easy. Just weeks after he was announced as the new F1 driver and figurehead for “We Race As One Message,” Mazepin posted a highly inappropriate video on his social media that caused outrage among fans around the world.
The video was deleted and he has since apologized, but Mazepin’s future in Formula 1 was in jeopardy from the start. He seems ready to start this year with heavy criticism from all quarters, and although part of his talent was responsible for keeping his new seat, Haas obviously made it clear that she was benefiting from the huge sponsorship money Nikita’s father – a billionaire Russian oligarch – influenced – would bring.
And it didn’t take long for the Mazepin family to take hold. In order to circumvent the rules for waving the Russian flag by athletes in sports competitions for drug use violations, the new VF-21 ultimately took the form of a gigantic Soviet banner, featuring a very controversial design that raised eyebrows anti -Doping sports agencies around the world.
Photo credit: Uralkali Haas F1 Team
Despite all the questionable changes in the team in relation to the new driver, a new investment in the team is definitely a positive one. It will give them more chances to fight in the years to come and maybe improve their performance in the long run.
Driving alongside Mazepin is a man who has a name synonymous with success in Formula 1 and has immense potential to be a future world champion: Mick Schumacher.
The Ferrari protégé joined the team in the hope of taking up a position with the legendary dancing horse over the next few seasons and appears to be following in his father’s footsteps as one of the greats. He took the Formula 2 crown in the last race of the season last year and showed enormous talent and ability in the process.
In time, Mick could be one of the stars of the ‘next generation’ of F1 – possibly fighting the likes of Max Verstappen, Charles Leclerc, and George Russell. It’s about whether or not the fast boy can withstand the pressure of such an incredibly weighty name and not fall victim to the same pitfalls as other drivers with familiar bloodlines like Bruno Senna.
Can Haas do something with 2021?
In short, it doesn’t seem like the fairytale season Haas might have hoped for. An abandoned car, a limited budget, and a driver line-up with a lot to learn.
However, the fate of the American challenger is far from set in stone. Who knows, anything can happen after last year’s chaos. All it takes is a few design glitches from competitors to shake up the order. Not to forget, the engine manufacturer Ferrari has managed to significantly improve its faulty unit, which could bring the customer teams higher.
One thing is certain, however: it’s an interesting season. Haas put all of their chips on black this year in hopes of playing the long game for 2022, and only time will tell if their gambling pays off or not.
Photo credit: Uralkali Haas F1 Team
