In recent news, curse-magnet Guenter Steiner finally cut ties with his 'band of idiots' formerly known as Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen. In the wake of this bombshell report, we want to assess their options for a 2021 driver lineup.
5. Callum Illot and Nikita Mazepin
The once-crowned champion of F2 fell catastrophically hard from his early season form in the series. Falling from first to fourth means a poor record against his Ferrari compatriots Robert Schwartzman and Mick Schumacher. On raw pace, Schumacher especially showed increased form over familiarity with the series. Illot isn't a bad driver, just insufficient to prove above the other three options in this category.
While Mazepin isn't the Devil like some suggest, his inability to produce pace in F2 screams pay-driver. Long-time readers know I'm sympathetic to teams that have to choose payment-driven drivers, but as you'll see in the next few lineups, I'm perplexed why they can't look to other drivers with similar payment resumes.
4. Antonio Giovinazzi and Callum Illot
I'm pleasantly surprised this name hasn't come up more in the current driver discussions. Gio is a career-average driver who has enjoyed a seat for too long without expectation. That is likely to spell downfall, but like Gutierrez before him, he's still an F1-caliber driver. Fans won't love his appointment, but for Haas its likely the only non-controversial pick on this list. For someone with 3 years experience in the sport, he's remarkably calm about his doings. Would be a positive force on the Haas garage.
As for Callum, he's going to operate as a stop-gap for increased experienced towards Schwartzman's appointment. Furthermore, it allows them to pick up an all F2-centric team in the near future.
3. Robert Swartzmann and Daniil Kyvat
The odds of an American team going with a full Russian team is only logic that 2020 could withstand. This being said however, they could do worse than the duo put forwards here. Both Kyvat and Schwartzman are projected free agents for next season. Kyvat has had the rockiest road of any driver on the gird, and in that way he should be drawn to replace Grosjean. That being said, note he has the same number of podiums as Albon and Magnussen; who both also raced for big teams. There is pace somewhere in Kyvat.
Swartzmann is the model F1 prospect driver. From winning in F3 to leading sizable portions of his rookie F1 campaign, this driver has success written in the stars. Two quick things about him. Rapid overtaker with a mind for quick adaptation. Also solidifies their choice as a Ferrari driver hub. That's something they'll need in 3-5 years if they're still in the sport.
2. Robert Schwartzman & Niko Hulkenburg
Combining the top-performing F2 driver on this list was a no-brainer. Hulkenburg on the other hand, likely has better options. Hopefully speaking, his driving speed alone should be cause for a Red Bull or otherwise seat above the back-marker field for 2021 alone. Once those optimistic beliefs come face to face with Formula 1 however, its likely they'll be dashed against the cliffs of Spa. Once that comes true, Has could literally do no better than a combo with Hulkenburg. Experience and class pay for themselves.
1. George Russell and Niko Hulkenburg
Finally, the cream of the crop. If Haas trotted out this lineup next season, they'd be set for the resurgence they've been desperately working towards. The excess points Russell and Hulkenburg would scape out of this car should make any fan water at the mouths. Let's talk brass tax. Russell will be kicked out of the williams seat for money-bringing Perez. While this isn't fair, Mercedes need him to continue to develop. Bottas' time is ticking, and they need a replacement quick. Russell is truly their only hope with Max and Charles tied down to big money long term contracts. Assuming they won't settle for Norris or Albon, George is their ticket to the next 7 championships. Contracts are malleable in 2021, and Russell could clearly do a job in a Haas.
As for the pairing, Nico brings experience and prestige to the garage. Note that morale plays a big role in the performance of a team. McLaren benefitted from the boost of a new management almost immediately, or how Red Bull made gains by firing Gasly at his most unpopular stage. Beyond the mental though, Hulkenburg can give in a few good years of service yet. Like Raikkonen, he seems to have the longevity to make this through the years of his mid to late 30s. At the very least, it would give the fans something to cheer for every week, and the more Haas merch sold, the better it is for them.
Thank you so much for reading!
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