Haas retains Schumacher and Mazepin for 2022

The Haas F1 Team will enter the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship fielding a retained driver line-up of Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher, the team announced on Thursday ahead of the Russian Grand Prix.

Haas became the latest team to confirm its driver line-up for the important 2022 F1 season, which will see the introduction of the radically new technical regulation. The sport’s only American outfit decided to retain its current line-up, which will add stability for the critical 2022 season.

Schumacher and Mazepin made their debut at the start of the current year after both stepped up from the FIA Formula 2 Championship. The German, who won the title in F2 last year, has recorded his best result at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix with a 13th-place finish. His Russian team mate Mazepin is also yet to score a point this year with his best result being his P14 place which also came in Baku.

Commenting on the announcement, Team Principal Guenther Steiner said: “We knew we wanted continuity behind the wheel in 2022 and I’m happy to confirm exactly that with Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin competing for Uralkali Haas F1 Team next year. 2021 has afforded both drivers the opportunity to learn Formula 1 – and as rookies – they’ve done a lot of that this year.

"It’s been a tough season for sure with the package we’ve had, but at the same time they’ve both embraced the challenge and worked closely with the team to learn our processes and adapt to the rigors of a Formula 1 campaign and all that brings – both internally and externally. Now as we look ahead to the 2022 season, we’re confident we can move forward as a team and give Mick and Nikita a competitive race package to make the next step in their Formula 1 careers," Steiner said.

“By being part of the Formula 1 field, I am living my dream,' said Schumacher. "The first year together with Haas F1 is very exciting and instructive, and I'm sure I can bring all the experience I've gained into the coming year. New technical regulations, the impressive ambition of the entire Haas F1 team and the support of Ferrari - of course I believe this will bring us closer to the field in the 2022 season and we will be able to fight for points.

"I'm looking forward to being part of a team that is getting stronger, and I'll do everything I can from my side to move us forward. Finally, I would like to thank the Ferrari Driver Academy for the trust they continue to give me and the support they have shown me over the years.”

Mazepin added: “I’m very excited for next year, the new car and simply just to get the opportunity with Haas F1 Team and grow together with them. I think we will come out strong next year.”