Rework color scheme for the updated VF-21 after agreeing a new title sponsorship contract with a Russian company; Russia’s Nikita Mazepin creates an all-rookie line with F2 champion Mick Schumacher – but Haas expects another tough campaign
By James Galloway
Last updated: 04/03/21 8:51 am
Haas has unveiled new special colors for the Formula 1 season 2021.
While all crews are limited in the improvements they can make to their cars for 2021, Haas is making the smallest changes to last year’s car, the VF-21, with that they are focusing their efforts and resources on taking major steps when the F1 rules are revised for the 2022 season.
Mick Schumacher, the 21-year-old son of Michael’s seven-time champion and last year’s F2 champion, joins an all-rookie lineup with Nikita Mazepin, 22, of Russia.
The new white, blue and red logo coincides with the announcement of a multi-year title sponsorship deal with Russian company Uralkali, a fertilizer manufacturer.
The company is part-owned by Mazepin’s father, Dmitry.
Haas, who are typically on a gray-branded race, finished ninth in each of the last two seasons and last year scored just three points, comfortably their lowest points since entering the sport in 2016.
The experienced pair Romain Grosjean, who has been with the team since they started, and Kevin Magnussen have sided with the young Schumacher and Mazepin, both F2 graduates, as the team will be owned by America looking to the future.
“It ‘s an exciting time for the team with Uralkali coming on board and Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher driving for us,” said team owner Gene Haas.
“It’s definitely a matter of change but I hope we can get back into the mix to scrape some points at those races.
“It’s been a difficult season or two, but we’ve also looked at the bigger picture, especially 2022 and the implementation of the new rules.”
Team leader Guenther Steiner says while there is no escaping another challenging season ahead, they need to make the most of any chances for scoring points that come their way during the campaign. 23 races.
“We have a year of training with the drivers and we are technically looking forward to the future,” he said. “It is no secret that the VF-21 will not be developed as we focus our energy now on the 2022 car and, hopefully, make it a fairer field.
“We all know pretty much where we intend to be this season in terms of the competition, but we need to make sure we’re there to take advantage of opportunities when they present themselves.”
In December, Mazepin was convicted of his new team and issued an apology after a video posted on his Instagram Stories revealed he was inappropriately touching a woman ‘s chest during a car ride.
Haas said they handled the case with Mazepin.
Mazepin and Schumacher will drive the updated VF-21, which needs to be changed from last season to introduce new F1 2021 floor rules, for the first time when pre-season begins in Bahrain on 12 March.