Steiner: Haas willing to “take a risk” on Mazepin superlicence
Haas Formula 1 boss Gunther Steiner is willing to take the risk that Nikita Mazepin fails to officially qualify for an FIA superlicence if he has a poor weekend at the F2 finale in Bahrain.

The Russian was announced on Tuesday as one of the team’s race drivers for 2021, despite not yet being officially eligible for a superlicence.
He has to finish at least seventh in the 2020 championship in order to qualify, and after taking fifth and second places in last weekend’s races at Sakhir, he now lies third.
There remains a slim mathematical possibility that he could be bumped down to eighth, although it would require an almost perfect weekend for Guanyu Zhou, who currently holds that position, as well as high scores from the other drivers who are behind him.
However, when Mazepin’s Haas deal was discussed and eventually agreed over recent weeks, it was far from certain that he would qualify automatically, and thus Haas in effect took a gamble that he would have a strong end to the season across the two Bahrain weekends.
There has speculation that he might be able to benefit from the leeway that the FIA has built into the rules to help drivers who may have been disadvantaged by COVID disrupting their 2020 programmes, although it is not clear how that would apply to Mazepin.
“Obviously we spoke with FIA when we started the conversations about it, how this would work,” said Steiner when asked by Motorsport.com.
“I don't think we have got this problem anymore. There is still a mathematical possibility that he doesn't get one, but it is slim, you know. I think I’ll take that risk. I've taken bigger risks than that one.
“So in the end I think we get one, but we played around a few scenarios, what could be done, what should be done, but I think it's difficult. The best is always to get it by the points.
“Again, I cannot say it will happen. But I am a big believer that he will get the points he needs to get the superlicence. So I'm not going to go into what did the FIA say because we never came to a conclusion, because it's always lets try to do it on points.
“And that's what we're doing. He did it himself. Again, that shows he didn't get nervous or anything about it. He went out there last weekend and was told he needed to get points so you secure your own super licence, without asking any help.”
Read Also:
Mazepin, who first tested an F1 car with Force India as long ago as 2016, insists that he is prepared for the step up after a strong year in F2.
“I feel ready for F1,” he said. “I'm 21 years old. I had quite a few seasons in single seaters now. And I believe that faster cars do suit my driving style.
“And regarding the F2 championship, I think it's been quite a challenging year. When I went to race with Hitech Grand Prix, they hadn't existed in F2 previously.
“So although it's only 12 people, everybody needed to blend in with each other. And it was a big task, but I think the team's handled it fantastically.
“And for us to be able to do reasonably fast pit stops, make less mistakes than some teams do with starting set-ups etcetera, I think it's an achievement. It's worth noticing, and especially given a few penalties I've had this year – that perhaps I haven't agreed with – I think the overall championship tables looking promising.”
Related video

Previous article
FIA modifies barrier hit by Grosjean in Bahrain
Next article
Renault confirms Alonso participation in Abu Dhabi test

About this article
Series | Formula 1 |
Drivers | Nikita Mazepin |
Teams | Haas F1 Team |
Author | Adam Cooper |
Steiner: Haas willing to “take a risk” on Mazepin superlicence
Trending
The tricky driver conundrums facing Mercedes in F1 2021
Ahead of the new Formula 1 season, reigning world champions Mercedes will take on challenges both old and new. This also can be said for its driver conundrum which could become key to sustaining its ongoing success...
How Alpine's cure to 2021 F1 rules starts at the front
A new name, new faces and new colours pulls the rebranded Alpine Formula 1 team into a new era while carrying over core elements of its 2020 car. But under the surface there's more than meets the eye with the A521 which hints at how the team will tackle 2021...
Can Mercedes' W12 retain the team's crown?
Replacing Formula 1's fastest car was never going to be an easy feat for Mercedes. Amid the technical rule tweaks to peg back the W12 and its 2021 rivals, the new Mercedes challenger will remain the target to beat
The pointed note that starts Ferrari's Leclerc vs Sainz era
Ferrari is starting its post-Sebastian Vettel age by welcoming Carlos Sainz in alongside Charles Leclerc. But while Sainz has a tough challenge to match his new teammate, Ferrari is also sending a message that previous intra-team spats must end
The mantra Ocon must follow to challenge Alonso at Alpine
OPINION: It's been an uneasy ride for Esteban Ocon since his F1 comeback - and fresh challenges lie in wait as he's joined by double world champion Fernando Alonso in the newly rebranded Alpine team. STUART CODLING sets out a roadmap to success…
Why Haas is willing to sacrifice its 2021 F1 season
Every Formula 1 team is facing the same difficult decision this season: how do you split precious aero development time between the current car and the all-new 2022 project?
The big questions of F1 2021 - Karun Chandhok
After an unprecedented season last year, there are plenty of questions and storylines for the upcoming Formula 1 campaign. Sky Sports F1 pundit Karun Chandhok gives his verdict.
How McLaren F1’s new investors have already made an impact
The deal McLaren concluded with MSP Sports Capital last year which will help the cash-strapped Formula 1 team pay for much-needed infrastructure upgrades, also points toward the future for F1 itself, says GP Racing's Stuart Codling.