KANNAPOLIS, NC (WBTV) – The Kannapolis-based Haas F1 team struggled through a challenging day to finish Sunday’s French Grand Prix.
The Uralkali Haas F1 team drivers Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin finished in 19th and 20th place at the French Grand Prix, round 7 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship 2021, on the Paul Ricard Circuit.
“I think today was just one of those days – all 20 cars crossed the finish line, so we were 19th and 20th,” said team boss Günther Steiner. “We’re making progress, you can see that the gap between our drivers is getting narrower, which is not always the perfect scenario for us. This is exactly what happens when you are in these positions. We just have to make our car better in general – we know that. It was a good learning curve and we came back with two cars intact. Unfortunately, we were not thrown a lifeline today to get a better result. Now we are getting fit for Austria. “
Schumacher started from 15th place after reaching Q2 for the first time in his career in qualifying on Saturday, on Pirelli’s P Zero Yellow Medium tires. In a fast-paced first lap, Schumacher stayed out of trouble and stayed in 19th place before being overtaken by team-mate Mazepin. Schumacher crossed the finish line on lap 16 of 53, swapped his media for a set of white hard tires and made it to the checkered flag and finished 19th. It preserved Schumacher’s 100 percent record in Formula 1.
“Overall, we had a very decent weekend with our first Q2 appearance,” said Schumacher. “We knew the race was going to be difficult, but I was optimistic about what I find important to ourselves. Today we didn’t have the pace to fight the Williams or anyone around us. It just means we have to work harder, I have to work harder and hopefully be closer again soon. “
Mazepin started from position 18 on the hard mix and stayed glued to the rear of the train for the first stint, successfully overtaking Schumacher’s sister VF-21 on lap 4 boxes for a new set of media, effectively pursuing the opposite strategy to his Teammates. In a race in which all 20 starters made it to the checkered flag, Mazepin finished 20th.
“I think it wasn’t best to start with the alternate strategy of trying something different since we got caught,” said Mazepin. “A lot of teams and drivers were surprised by the increased tire wear than we might have expected, and it’s difficult to assess tire management on the other set. Nevertheless, I had a chance at the beginning of the race and I took it, the pace just wasn’t enough towards the end. “
Red Bull Racing’s Max Verstappen came out on top in an entertaining duel with Mercedes rival Lewis Hamilton, while Sergio Perez completed the podium.
The Uralkali Haas F1 Team will be back in action at the Styrian Grand Prix from June 25th to 27th in Spielberg.
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