With two new drivers joining the team for the 2021 season, Haas F1 have revealed their new machine. The VF-21 sports a controversial livery as the team also announce their new title sponsor.

Haas F1 have unveiled a contentious red, blue and white livery inspired by their new Russian title sponsor, Uralkali. The company, who produce potash fertiliser and is owned by father of Haas’ rookie driver Nikita Mazepin, has invested heavily in the struggling outfit. It would seem they have sought to have great influence upon the livery. The livery was launched on last year’s car specification.

The livery has certainly raised a few eyebrows and has been deemed, by F1 fans, as extremely controversial. Mazepin is already one of the most divisive characters to appear in F1, despite not yet appearing in a race, after an explicit video was shared on social media.

In a recent interview, Mazepin stated he has learned from his mistakes, commenting that “I didn’t behave as I meant to behave. Being in Formula 1 the transition phase of realising what I have achieved has been very short and I didn’t adapt to it as quick as I should have.” He reiterated “It happened, I made a huge mistake. I’ve taken responsibility for it, I’ve learned from it and I’m looking forward to a clean year ahead.”

The new livery is also now under investigation by the World Anti Doping Association (WADA). Russian athletes are currently banned, in any world championship, from competing under the country’s name and flag due to the state funded doping scandal that affected the 2014 Winter Olympics.

The car has sparked excitement as, along with it, comes the return of the Schumacher name to F1. Michael’s son Mick is set to take the wheel of the VF-21 for his maiden season in F1. He enters the sport with much hype given his family name, but this is highly deserved after winning the F2 title in 2020. When asked if he feels the pressure of his famous name, Mick replied “I’m very happy to carry that surname and very happy to carry that name back into F1. I’m very proud of it, I’m happy to have it. It’s like a boost for me and it gives me motivation every single day to work as much as I can and as hard I can.”

The 2021 Haas machine is named the VF-21 and will be released just before testing begins on the 12th of March. Speaking on the new car Schumacher remarked “I’m very excited, and I’m really looking forward to getting on track and starting my test schedule, and eventually getting into the first race in F1, which sounds great and feels great,” he said. “I’m really looking forward to my first season.”

Feature Image Credit: Haas F1