Hitech Formula 2 racer Nikita Mazepin is to make the step up to Formula 1 next year after the Haas team confirmed him as one of its drivers for the 2021 season.
Mazepin, who is currently third in the F2 championship with two wins and six podium finishes this season, has signed a multi-year deal with Haas.
Before moving into F2 in 2019, the Russian driver finished runner-up in the 2018 GP3 series behind Anthoine Hubert, having previously raced in the Formula Renault Eurocup, BRDC British Formula 3 and the FIA F3 Euroseries.
Mazepin has previously been a test driver for the Force India F1 team, as well as testing for Mercedes in 2019. He has also taken part in a number of private test sessions in older F1 machinery to gain experience.
“Becoming a Formula 1 driver is a lifelong dream come true for me,” said Mazepin.
“I really appreciate the trust being put in me by [team owner] Gene Haas, Guenther Steiner, and the whole of the team. They’re giving a young driver an opportunity and I thank them for that. I’m looking forward to starting our relationship together, both on and off the track, and I’m naturally keen to continue to demonstrate my abilities after a strong Formula 2 season.
“The team will be looking to me for feedback and inputs in order to refine its package for 2021 and beyond. I will take that responsibility on and can’t wait to get started.”
“I’m delighted that Nikita Mazepin will be driving for Haas F1 Team next season,” added team principal Guenther Steiner.
“Nikita has underlined his credentials in Formula 2 this year with a brace of victories and a handful of podiums in what’s been a strong sophomore season for him. He’s developed into a mature racer moving up through the junior ranks – notably most recently in the GP3 Series, where he finished runner-up in 2018, and obviously in Formula 2 over the past two seasons.
“I’m excited to see what Nikita can achieve in Formula 1 and we look forward to giving him the opportunity to compete at the highest level of world motorsport. With a record-setting 23 race schedule set for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, he’s going to get plenty of track action to learn all the nuances of grand prix racing.”
Haas have yet to announce who will partner Mazepin in the team next year, with current drivers Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen departing. Ferrari academy driver Mick Schumacher, who currently leads the F2 standings, is favourite for the drive.
Featured image credit: formula1.com
