Loads of changes at Haas.
BANBURY, England—Haas F1 launched its 2021 challenger, the VF-21, to the media on Thursday morning. And the debut included changes galore.
For the second time in its six-year history, the team will have a new sponsor. Russia’s Uralkali Corporation, a manufacturer of potash fertilizer, has signed a two-year contract. Headed by Dimitri Mazepin, the Maszepin family will provide more than finances. His son, Nikita, is the second driver on a team that has made a wholesale change on the drivers’ side. Gone are Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen, and N. Mazepin will be joined by lead driver Mick Schumacher.
Gene Haas (photo, Autosport)
And there’s more. The VF-21 still carries the Haas name, but the colors have changed–from grey, black, and red to the red, white, and blue of the Russian flag.
But make no mistake about this: Haas is thankful for the Uralkali contract and the financial stability it provides. “I’m very pleased to welcome Uralkali to Formula 1 as title partner to Haas F1 Team,” he said. Haas was just as assertive about the other changes. “I’m hoping that we get back to being in the mix for scoring some points at these races. It’s been a tough couple of seasons, but we’ve also got our eye on the bigger picture, in particular, 2022, and the implementation of the new regulations.”
Haas finished a disappointing ninth out of ten manufacturers last season and hopes to improve in 2021. And that’s where another major change comes into the mix–driving with a new Ferrari engine.
