Formula 1 | Schumacher sticks to Mazepin for a second and almost beats Stroll

As often this year, the Haas will start in the last row but as often also, the gap was very important between Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin (a second) this Saturday in Saudi Arabia.

Mick Schumacher believes he could even have passed Lance Stroll to start 18th rather than a little careless mistake on his fastest lap.

“I delayed deploying my DRS, and it’s worth about a tenth, so it’s pretty frustrating, but I didn’t expect to be that close to the Aston Martin, so I think that’s something something that really shows the improvement in our performance over the weekend. The race is another story – if we have the chance to fight we will, but if we get ahead and have a good start we may even be able to keep it. « 

Nikita Mazepin therefore finished far behind everyone including his teammate, and is aware that he should have done better, much better, this Saturday night. He accuses other pilots of having hindered him in the last corner.

“The track is still good, which is positive. I was happy with my pace, it was totally deliberate in free practice and I finished a very good place in FP3 but yes, I should have been better in qualifying. Unfortunately, in qualifying, you also need a lot of other people to let you do your turn. 6.1 km on this track is not enough for even the best of our sport to pass. I was torpedoed by four or five cars in the last corner as I tried to pull a gap and ended up racing with Vettel on the start and finish line so I didn’t could do my turn. « 

Günther Steiner, the stable manager, finally mentions a « have a good day » for Haas, that is, in the team situation, « a lot of rolling, without any damage. »

“We’re getting closer to the cars ahead, which is very encouraging for us so late in the season. Unfortunately for Nikita his last lap attempt was unsuccessful because there was a blockage in front of him and he had to ease off and couldn’t start again, but otherwise an impeccable effort of all. the team. And the communication between the pilot and the engineer was good. « 

Video – The 2021 Saudi Arabian GP starting grid: