These drivers could replace Mazepin at Haas in 2022

Nikita Mazepin's spot in Formula 1 is uncertain as Haas wants to get rid of its sponsor Uralkali due to their ties with the Russian government. The sponsor's Russian colours and logo were replaced during the winter test in Barcelona, but that may not be the only change. Mazepin could also leave, and if that is the case who could replace the Russian driver for the 2022 Formula One season?

Pietro Fittipaldi

The first name mentioned by Guenther Steiner was that of Pietro Fittipaldi. It doesn't come as much of a surprise as the Brazilian is Haas' reserve driver and already filled in for Romain Grosjean in the last two races of 2020. The grandson of Emerson Fittipaldi is a solid driver, but his list of achievements is not necessarily one to write home about.

The Brazilian won some titles in his younger years, including the World Series Formula V8 3.5 in 2017, but a real breakthrough never came. In the DTM, IndyCar and the Asian Formula 3 Championship, he never showed himself to be a worthy F1 driver. For two races it was nice to see him drive at the top in 2020, but it remains to be seen whether he is also a serious option for a full season.

Antonio Giovinazzi

Not surprisingly, the name of Antonio Giovinazzi also immediately came up. The Italian lost his seat in Formula 1 at the end of 2021 because Alfa Romeo chose Valtteri Bottas. The Italian left a solid impression in F1, but never fully convinced. Yet for Haas, he seems a better option than Mazepin.

First of all, Giovinazzi is a driver with F1 experience, with which he can support the young Mick Schumacher. Secondly, the American team will lose a lot of money when the deal with Uralkali is terminated and they will want to see some of that with a new driver. Ferrari is a big fan of their pupil and might be able to offer some discount on the engine if the Italian is allowed to drive at Haas in 2022.

Callum Ilott

Another Ferrari junior is Callum Ilott. The Brit currently competes in the IndyCar championship, but the talent always dreamed of a move to Formula One. He, too, comes from the Ferrari program and was already supposed to be in action once for Haas in 2020. However, his debut in a first free practice session fell through due to poor weather conditions.

Oscar Piastri

The man most deserving of this seat is Oscar Piastri. He became Formula 3 champion in 2020 and took the title in F2 in 2021, but Alpine had no place for the talent in the F1 team. If the French racing stable really cares about Piastri, they need to step up and make sure he gets that seat now. The question is whether Alpine will really financially push this through at Haas.

Nyck de Vries

Another driver who was touted at several teams in 2021 was Nyck de Vries. The Dutchman, despite recommendations from Toto Wolff, missed out on the seat at Williams. The British team chose Alexander Albon, despite his ties to Red Bull. Although Mercedes has no ties with Haas, this way it can still help the team's reserve driver to a place in F1.

Nico Hulkenberg

Nico Hulkenberg had to leave Renault at the end of 2019 to make way for Esteban Ocon. Despite three good performances at Racing Point in 2020, he did not get a seat for 2021, after which he seemed to give up hope of a future in F1. In 2021 and 2022 he is still under contract with Aston Martin as their reserve driver, but money has always been an issue in the German's career.

Conclusion

Although Piastri is the one most entitled to a seat in Formula 1, Antonio Giovinazzi and Pietro Fittipaldi are the biggest candidates for Nikita Mazepin's seat. Should this seat actually become available, Haas will have the choice between experience and an unproven talent with a big name. The American team will mainly look at which of the two drivers can bring in the most money.