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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – APRIL 02: Mick Schumacher of Germany and Scuderia Ferrari SF90 walks out of the garage during F1 testing in Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – APRIL 02: Mick Schumacher of Germany and Scuderia Ferrari SF90 walks out of the garage during F1 testing in Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
Haas have revealed their livery for the 2021 season on March 4. The livery shows a heavy inclination towards the colors of the Russian flag on the car. Rookie driver Mick Schumacher, though, is unfazed by this learning.
While revealing their livery, the team also officially announced a new title sponsor, Uralkali. This is significant as Schumi Jr’s rookie teammate Nikita Mazepin’s father has a significant stake within that company.
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This makes for a rather interesting situation – an American team sporting the colors of the Russian flag. What makes it more striking is that Mazepin will technically be racing under a neutral flag, and yet, the Russian flag could have a visual advertisement throughout the year.
Mick Schumacher not bothered by livery
In an interview (translated via Google), Schumacher was asked about the Russian-ness of the new car livery. He was, however, pretty equanimous about this in his reply.
He said, “The colors don’t bother me. As long as the car is fast, I’m happy. I only see the team’s colors in it. It’s a very nice car, it’s nice to see the 47 on it. I’m looking forward to doing my first laps with it. “
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BUDAPEST, HUNGARY – AUGUST 01: Formula 2 driver Mick Schumacher of Germany walks in the Paddock during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Hungary at Hungaroring in Budapest, Hungary. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)
The German was also asked about how fast the car will be. This comes on the back of the team not using any development tokens for 2021; they have clearly given intentions of focussing on 2022.
He said, “That doesn’t mean that we don’t have any further developments, that we don’t push, that we won’t accelerate. We’ll try to be in midfield and take every chance we can. I’m looking forward to the challenge.”
Can Haas be a competitive team in 2021?
Haas had a very torrid 2020, which saw them finish second last in the Constructor’s Championship. This prompted them to go in a different direction in terms of driver lineup.
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ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES – DECEMBER 15: Mick Schumacher of Germany driving the Haas F1 Team VF-20 Ferrari during the F1 Young Drivers Test at Yas Marina Circuit on December 15, 2020 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. (Photo by Rudy Carezzevoli – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
This rookie lineup will have no expectations foisted upon them as they are in a wildly uncompetitive car, at least for 2021.
The focus for the 2022 car makes for interesting reading and gives the drivers the platform of a season to build on. This will surely make Haas the team to watch in the future.
