You may have certainly heard a lot about the up-and-coming talents in F2. In recent times, names like Mick Schumacher, Callum Ilott, and Robert Shwartzman have grabbed eyeballs with their performances and are touted to make the jump to F1.

However, another name could soon join them in the topflight or perhaps pip them, and even Sergio Perez, for a seat in 2021. That driver is Nikita Mazepin.

Mazepin is a Russian driver who races for the F2 team Hitech Racing. The 21-year-old stands 6th in the current F2 Drivers’ Championship with 140 points. He has won two feature races this season, along with 3 P2 finishes.

The Russian driver has certainly impressed. But considering how well the trio of Ferrari academy drivers have performed, one wouldn’t think there would be any place for Mazepin in the 2021 F1 season.

Moreover, guys like Perez and Hulkenberg are on the hunt for a drive in 2021 too. However, Mazepin has an ace up his sleeve, his dad Dmitry Mazepin.

According to a report by Motorsport, Dmitry, the Chairman and shareholder of Uralchem Integrated Chemicals Company, is ready to put an offer on the table that F1 teams won’t be able to refuse.

The report states that the Haas seat is the apple of their eye. (Translated by Google), “Last weekend in Sochi there were meetings with different teams. And in particular, it seems that Mazepin is interested in Haas.”

Sergio Perez could be at risk of missing out on Haas F1 seat, Williams an option

Mazepin’s entry into the already competitive driver market poses a problem for Checo. Having been dropped in favor of Sebastian Vettel by Aston Martin, Perez finds himself without a drive for 2021.

Rumors have it that Perez is one of the most likely candidates to join Haas for 2021. But with Mazepin interested in the Haas seat, with the promise of giving the team significant financial help, Perez could find his potential spot in limbo.

There is a scenario where Perez could lineup alongside the Russian driver. However, Haas haven’t hinted at dropping both of their drivers just yet. Although Romain Grosjean is most likely to be left out in the cold, his teammate, Kevin Magnussen, could very well receive a contract extension.

However, all hope is not lost for Perez. Rumors are abuzz that the new owners of Williams F1 could have second thoughts about their lineup for 2021. That opens the possibility of accommodating Checo in Nicholas Latifi’s stead. But there is no concrete evidence that this could come to pass.