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Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 15, 2021 Haas’ Nikita Mazepin during a promotional photoshoot for the unveiling of the new 2022 F1 car REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
Reuters
Formula One F1 – British Grand Prix – Silverstone Circuit, Silverstone, Britain – July 15, 2021 Haas’ Nikita Mazepin during a promotional photoshoot for the unveiling of the new 2022 F1 car REUTERS/Andrew Couldridge
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is finally here, but before Sunday’s race gets underway, Haas have a major problem. Their rookie driver Nikita Mazepin won’t be taking part in the final race of the season as he tested positive for Covid-19.
Many would assume that the Steiner-led team would get in their reserve driver to fill in Mazepin’s seat as a one-off. However, it is more complicated than that.
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Driver problems for Haas at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Nikita Mazepin ruled out
Sunday’s race is the last chance that the American-owned team can bag points this season. However, it seems it’s going to be more difficult than usual as Mazepin tested positive for Covid-19.
There will be no replacement driver in accordance with article 31.1 of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, which prohibits any driver from starting the race who has not taken part in at least one practice session.
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) December 12, 2021
The most logical thing to do is to bring in their reserve driver, Pietro Fittipaldi. However, according to article 31.1 of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 Sporting Regulations, this prohibits from drivers take part in the race if they haven’t competed in any of the Free Practice sessions.
Hence, Haas will be one driver short of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend and will rely on Mick Schumacher to bag maximum points as he zips around Yas Marina.
But, the F1 community has nothing to worry about as the remaining 19 drivers get to compete in Sunday’s title-deciding race.
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Can Schumacher Jr bring points for Haas at the final F1 weekend?
The German rookie has a challenging weekend ahead of him at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Not having a teammate for Sunday’s race adds more pressure on the Haas driver to bring the team their first points of the season.
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Formula One F1 – Russian Grand Prix – Sochi Autodrom, Sochi, Russia – September 24, 2021 Haas’ Mick Schumacher during practice REUTERS/Maxim Shemetov
Another challenging aspect of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is that he would see the five-red lights from P19. Schumacher Jr is hoping to overcome the challenges that await him in Sunday’s much-anticipated race, as he aims to help himself and his American-owned team grab their first F1 points for the 2021 season.
What are your predictions for the Haas rookie as he prepares himself for the final race of his first year on the F1 grid? Let us know in the comments below.
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