F1 | Drivers’ market: Nikita Mazepin in the picture for 2021
The Russian youngster has a chance to enter the Circus in the next season. But, with which team?
Just when we thought the drivers’ grid in Formula 1 for the next season was finally almost complete, here it comes another surprise.
In the middle of the lockdown earlies this year, Formula 1 set its market by watching Carlos Sainz arriving to Maranello, Valtteri Bottas confirming his seat in Mercedes and Daniel Ricciardo approaching to Woking. Recently, on the other hand, Fernando Alonso made his great comeback in the major Formula signing a deal with Renault and Sebastian Vettel landed in Racing Point on Lance Stroll’s side, chasing away Sergio Perez.
Yet, there it comes a new name that is coming to upset this uncertain balance. His name is Nikita Mazepin, he is a 21-year old Russian guy who is racing in Formula 2.
Mazepin is currently sixth in the Formula 2 standings and, as the season is just two races away from its finish, the young Russian can feel quite confident to meet the requirements to get his FIA Super Licence, which is his wild car to enter the grid. Indeed, to be sure about this new arrival, a team is obviously required.
Rumours has it that Mazepin had several meetings with different teams just during the last Grand Prix race in Sochi.
The Russian is told to be interested in Haas. The American team was already in talks with Sergio Perez, who will remain once again without his seat. Williams could then make an offer to Perez, as the Grove- based team would take advantage of the state of the Mexican being in doubt to convalidate this new opportunity.
The most expected question is why and how Nikita Mazepin made it to obtain all this interest towards the team, while experienced drivers like Sergio Perez are still available on the market. Beside his talent, Nikita has a rich “prize” to offer to whom will hire him, as his father Dmitry is offering a great amount of money to his son’s new Formula 1 team.
Now it is time to analyse Formula 1’s currently vacant seats.
As we have already said, Mazepin is currently in talks with Haas. The team though has already two drivers and none of them is confirmed. It would be more reasonable to give Kevin Magnussen another opportunity as Romain Grosjean did commit several mistakes in the course of this season.
There is Williams to bring on the table a good seat. The Grove based team is experienced a great renewal and could easily be interested in make another change and earn some extra money as well if Perez won’t be with them.
And how about Alfa Romeo? Whilst Kimi Raikkonen is said to remain another year, Antonio Giovinazzi didn’t signed any renewal deal yet and the Italian didn’t offer exciting performances in 2020.
This 2020 is still surprising us and it seems like 2021 season could be a breath of fresh air for Formula 1 too.
⚠️ F2 DRIVER ANNOUNCEMENT⚠️
— Hitech GP (@HitechGP) February 7, 2020
Hitech GP confirm Luca Ghiotto and Nikita Mazepin in 2020 @FIA_F2 Championship
Hitech will make their first F2 appearance at the official pre-season tests at Bahrain International Circuit on March 1-2-3.
Read more: https://t.co/3tYUBRExWd#F2 pic.twitter.com/yQL7GS1nDY
