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Russian driver Nikita Mazepin will make his Formula One debut with the Haas team next year and could be joined by the son of Michael Schumacher. The 21-year-old son of Russian billionaire Dmitry Mazepin has signed a "multi-year" deal after a successful season so far in Formula Two, Haas said on Tuesday. Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time world champion Michael, is the favourite to partner Mazepin at Haas, although the second driver is yet to be announced. Mazepin said: "Becoming a Formula 1 driver is a lifelong dream come true for me. I really appreciate the trust being put in me by (team owner) Gene Haas, Gunther Steiner, and the whole of the team. "They're giving a young driver an opportunity and I thank them for that. "The team will be looking to me for feedback and inputs in order to refine its package for 2021 and beyond. I will take that responsibility on and can't wait to get started." Team principal Steiner said: "Nikita has underlined his credentials in F2 this year, with two victories and a handful of podiums in a strong season." Since switching to Formula Two this year from the lower-ranked competitions, Mazepin won the so-called "feature races", or longer races, at Silverstone and Mugello. gj/lp
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