Nikita Mazepin says he is “100% ready” to step up into Formula 1’s hectic midfield battle with Haas in 2022.
The Russian found himself at the very back of the grid for much of last year, with fighting teammate Mick Schumacher is main ambition.
Even so, reflecting on his rookie year, Mazepin was satisfied with the personal progress he made.
“I think overall it [the season] was positive,” he assessed.
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“We made huge steps forward in my confidence and in my understanding from the point where we started.
“I’ve had very good races in the beginning of the year, then some difficult ones and then some good ones as well and some difficult ones.
“So you know, life in F1 isn’t consistent to anyone. But we always knew what we were going into, and ’22 is the year when we put things together. And I think I’m in a good place to do exactly that.”
But without a huge amount of experience wheel-to-wheel with other drivers, is Mazepin really prepared to go up against several other teams?
“I feel 100% ready,” he declared. “I had a few good battles this year with some faster cars and I felt comfortable.
“For me, mainly fighting with people, I need to know exactly where my rear wing ends and where the front wing ends, so I know exactly how to position my car next to them.
“I feel like I have that confidence. I remember it was very scary in the first race in Bahrain because the cars are very long and wide.
“But now I’m in a good place, so driving a more balanced car and a more predictable car should make it easier and more enjoyable.”
With Haas putting all their 2021 resources into 2022, the American squad is expected to be competitive. But just how far up the grid they can get is still somewhat of an open question.
“I try to be more conservative with my thoughts, with my ambitions, because you need to put in maximum effort and then make sure your expectations are not too high,” Mazepin told GPFans.
“Sometimes, if you set your expectations too high, you try too hard and then you end up with worse results.
“I think it’s never going to be easy because the other nine teams in the grid are not sleeping as well.
“Everyone wants to get those points and get those constructor positions. It’s really difficult but I’m sure we’ll be better than this year. That’s the aim.
“I’m sure we will be fighting for points at some point.”