Formula 1: Nikita Mazepin confirmed at Haas for 2021

Nikita Mazepin has signed a multi-year contract to compete for the Haas Formula 1 team beginning in the 2021 season.

As expected, Haas have officially confirmed that Formula 2 driver Nikita Mazepin has signed a multi-year contract with the team and is slated to make his Formula 1 debut in the 2021 season.

Haas announced in October that neither Romain Grosjean nor Kevin Magnussen would be back with the team in 2021, opening the door for two new drivers, and Mazepin had long been seen as one of those two new drivers.

Here is what Haas team principal Guenther Steiner had to say about the addition of Mazepin, who tested for Force India in 2016, 2017 and 2018 and then Mercedes in 2019, to the team’s driver lineup for 2021.

"“I’m delighted that Nikita Mazepin will be driving for Haas F1 Team next season. 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.”"

Here is what Mazepin had to add about the opportunity.

"“Becoming a Formula 1 driver is a lifelong dream come true for me. I really appreciate the trust being put in me by 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.”"