Haas has defended the signing of Nikita Mazepin for 2021, citing examples of “very good drivers who bring a sponsor”.
The Russian driver has been searching for a seat in Formula 1 for several years with the support of his billionaire father Dmitry, who unsuccessfully bid to buy Force India in 2018.
And with the financial impact of Covid-19 this year, that opportunity has finally come with Haas, who admit simply surviving this year has been their biggest achievement.
But in response to those who claim Mazepin has only been hired for his money, team boss Guenther Steiner noted how several other drivers, who are now respected more for their ability, also began with the label of ‘pay driver’
“There’s a lot of drivers who get into F1 thanks to financial backing,” he said on Tuesday. “There are very good drivers in F1 who in the beginning brought a sponsor.
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“The first one to call is Checo [Sergio Perez]. Checo came to F1 and it was, ‘He’s a pay driver.’ Look at Checo now, he finished on the podium, he’s doing a good job.
“George Russell for me is one of the best drivers, but without the help of Mercedes, he wouldn’t be anywhere.
“There’s a lot of them there. Lance Stroll, he was on the podium. If they are good in F2, and they have a sponsor, that’s a perfect solution.”
The Haas chief also noted that drivers paying for seats isn’t exactly a new thing.
“When I spoke with Niki [Lauda] a long time ago he said, ‘I made it into F1 thanks to a bank which sponsored me, so I could go and buy a drive’,” Steiner added.
“I think it was BRM at the time and he was three-time world champion.”
In the case of Mazepin, he has also been able to show potential on the track, enjoying an impressive test with Mercedes last year in Barcelona and currently sitting third in F2 with one round to go.
“For sure he had a difficult start, and without that difficult start, he would be fighting for the championship,” the Haas boss stated.
“So that is what I see, I can’t see any more than that. Results always talk.”
Commenting on his promotion, Mazepin admitted he will have to perform to prove he deserves his place.
“I feel ready for Formula 1,” he said via RaceFans. “I had quite a few seasons in single-seaters now and I believe that faster cars do suit my driving style.
“When you’re getting to F1 there’s almost one shot at it, I believe.
“I had this opportunity come up, we’ve decided to take it on and regardless of what Mr Guenther has said I would say that my job is to out-perform my teammate, as always, and do the best I can.
“So the pressure is still there on my shoulders. I believe I’m ready for F1 and I want to show it to the team, first of all.”