Haas confirms Schumacher and Mazepin for 2022 season

©Haas

Haas has announced that it will enter next year's F1 world championship with an unchanged driver line-up, the US outfit retaining Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin.

Will few or no alternative options for next season available for either driver, Haas' status quo was widely expected.

Ferrari F1 boss Mattia Binotto recently expressed his desire to see Schumacher – a Scuderia protégé – undertake a second season with Haas, while Mazepin's significant sponsorship package through his father's Uralkali company guaranteed the Russian a second campaign with the US outfit.

"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," commented Haas team boss Guenther Steiner.

"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."

Although they will race together once again in 2022, there is no love lost between Schumacher and Mazepin who have endured multiple flash points this season, the most recent clash between the two drivers taking place at Monza where the Russian punted his teammate into a spin, although he later owned up to the mistake.

"By being part of the Formula 1 field, I am living my dream," said Schumacher, commenting on his contract extension.

"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.

Read also: Gene Haas 'happy' with advancement of team's 2022 car

"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."

On the other side of the Haas garage, Mazepin said:

"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."

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.