KANNAPOLIS, NC (WBTV) – The final lap of the final 2021 Formula 1 race was a thriller with Max Verstappen taking the lead and championship from Lewis Hamilton while Haas F1 Team driver Mick Schumacher at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix took 14th place, round 22 of the FIA Formula 1 World Championship at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Schumacher started from 19th place on Pirelli P Zero Red soft tires and improved by two places to 17th place. The German pitted on lap 10, swapped his softs for a set of white hard tires and found a rhythm. Schumacher picked up soft tires during a late safety car phase and finished his rookie season in 14th place.
“We tried a different strategy than most of the field, which I think worked for us. We did the C3 last and we had to do that and we struggled with Latifi so overall we can be happy with what we achieved today. We have a lot to do and are looking forward to next year, ”said Schumacher.
Nikita Mazepin was unable to take part in the end of the season race after a positive Covid-19 test. Mazepin is physically healthy but isolated and adheres to health authority guidelines. The stewards accepted the Uralkali Haas F1 team’s request to withdraw the car from the competition for reasons of force majeure.
The Uralkali Haas F1 Team, based in Kannapolis, finished the Formula 1 season in 2021 in 10th place in the constructors’ championship.
“It was a very exciting final of the championship, it was very good for Formula 1 and for us it was the best race we have made,” said team principal Günther Steiner. “Unfortunately Nikita was unable to participate after a positive COVID-19 test, but Mick did a fantastic job today. He fought the whole race, we know our car is what it is, but cars that have beaten us all year ended up behind us. So it is very good to go into the winter season knowing that next year we will be ready for a better season. We will work hard this winter and come back stronger. Thanks to the whole team for sticking through the whole season and giving your best and today it paid off – you just have to wait for your day. “
The Uralkali Haas F1 Team will be back at the Yas Marina Circuit on Tuesday and Wednesday for the 18-inch Pirelli tire test using a mule wagon. Schumacher will drive on Tuesday, while substitute driver Pietro Fittipaldi will be in action on Wednesday. Robert Shwartzman, member of the Ferrari Driver Academy, will drive the VF-21 as part of the young driver test taking place on Wednesday.
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