Haas confirm unchanged F1 driver line-up for 2022

Both Schumacher and Mazepin made their F1 debuts this season with the American outfit after earning graduation from Formula 2. 

It was widely expected that Schumacher, the 2020 F2 champion, and Mazepin would continue with Haas into F1’s rules revolution which begins in 2022. 

"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," Schumacher said.

"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.”

With Haas electing not to develop its 2021 car in order to focus on F1’s looming regulation overhaul, Schumacher and Mazepin are the only two drivers yet to score a point this season. 

Despite the team’s lack of competitiveness, the pair have endured a tense intra-team rivalry that has resulted in several flash-points over the course of the season. 

Schumacher called for “consequences” for Mazepin’s aggressive defending after a recent incident between the rookie duo as they battled for position early on during the Dutch Grand Prix.

Schumacher has largely outperformed Mazepin in both qualifying and the races so far this year and has recorded the team’s best result, a 12th place finish in the Hungarian Grand Prix. 

Conversely, Mazepin’s highest finish to date is 14th, a result he achieved in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in June. The Russian has also retired on three occasions, while Schumacher has finished every race. 

Despite the intra-team friction, Haas team principal Guenther Steiner believes continuity is important for his side. 

“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," he said.

"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."