Haas has confirmed that Nikita Mazepin will race for the team in Formula 1 after signing him to a multi-year deal.
Mazepin currently holds third in this year’s Formula 2 championship and remains an outside candidate for the title ahead of this weekend’s Bahrain finale.
The Russian youngster has previously tested Formula 1 machinery with Mercedes and Force India.
He is expected to be joined at Haas by current Ferrari-backed Formula 2 title leader Mick Schumacher.
“Becoming a Formula 1 driver is a lifelong dream come true for me,” commented Mazepin.
“I really appreciate the trust being put in me by [team owner] Gene Haas, [team boss] 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.”
Steiner added that Mazepin has proved himself worth of a Formula 1 seat.
“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,” said Steiner.
“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.”
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