As the 2021 season draws closer, F1 teams, such as Haas and Alfa Romeo, will look to bolster their drivers’ lineup. And two of the names mentioned include Nico Hulkenberg and Nikita Mazepin.

While Hulkenberg is a household name in racing, young Nikita is still working his way up the ladder. But as it stands, both are under consideration for a seat at Haas for 2021.

The market is rife with speculation of Haas being bought out by Russian billionaire, Dmitry Mazepin. If the deal does come to pass, his son, Nikita, could find his way into an F1 cockpit smoothly, provided the eligibility conditions are fulfilled, of course.

Haas boss Steiner has not spoken to Nico Hulkenberg recently

And while rumors will continue to circulate about the drivers’ transfer market, Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner has offered an update. The emphasis still lies in looking at the longer term.

Steiner was quoted as saying, “I haven’t spoken to Nico in the last few weeks – negotiations would currently make no sense. As a team, we have to know what we want before we approach people.

“Nico is very well respected in F1. We know what he can do. But we see what is best for us. We don’t negotiate with people without knowing where we are going.” (translated from Google Translate)

Nico Hulkenberg’s most recent outing did more than prove his mettle behind the wheel of an F1 car, the German mounted an impressive challenge and fought his way from dead last to a points finish at P8.

Nikita Mazepin is interested in driving in Formula 1

Currently, Russian driver Nikita Mazepin sits 6th in the F2 Championship with 140 points. He will need to gain a super license first if he is to even dream of driving in F1 next year.

“Mr. Mazepin senior wants his son to drive in Formula 1. And his son wants to it is probably even more so.

“But we have to decide first where we want to go. Only then do we sit down with people who are interested in working with us,” concluded Steiner (translated from Google Translate)

All in all, it sounds like Steiner and Haas need to evaluate all their options before making a decision. Haas are currently 8th in the standings and will hope that the races ahead can give them some decent results.