The American Haas F1 team has a Russian look with Uralkali

LONDON (Reuters) – The US Haas Formula 1 team presented its car in Russian colors on Thursday 2021. Potash producer Uralkali, owned by the billionaire father of new Russian driver Nikita Mazepin, joined as the title sponsor.

FILE PHOTO: F1 Formula 1 – Formula 1 test session – Circuit de Barcelona Catalunya, Montmelo, Spain – February 26, 2018 Nikita Mazepin of Force India testing REUTERS / Albert Gea / File Photo

Mazepin will work in an all-rookie line-up with Mick Schumacher, son of the great Ferrari Michael and the reigning F2 champion.

The Ferrari-powered Haas, which finished ninth last season with just three points, belongs to the machine tool industrialist Gene Haas.

“We look forward to representing your brand throughout the season,” said the American in a statement announcing the multi-year contract.

“It’s definitely a case of change, but I hope we’re back in the mix to score some points in these races.

“It’s been a tough couple of seasons, but we’re also looking at the bigger picture, especially 2022 and the implementation of the new regulations.”

The team posted pictures of the car in a predominantly white livery with red and blue flourishes.

The front wing recreated the white, blue and red ribbons of the Russian flag.

Haas also announced the German telecommunications provider 1 & 1 as a sponsor.

Team boss Günther Steiner said it would be a learning year in which the team will look to the future and make major rule changes in the next year.

“It is no secret that the VF-21 is not being developed as we are now focusing our energies on the 2022 car and we hope to level the playing field,” he said.

“We all know roughly where we’re expected to compete this season, but we need to make sure we’re there to take advantage of opportunities when they come up.”

The new car will be tested for the first time in Bahrain on March 12th. The season starts on March 28th at the Sakhir circuit.

Reporting by Alan Baldwin, Editing by Simon Cameron-Moore