Nikita Mazepin will sit out the final Grand Prix of 2021, after testing positive for COVID-19. The Haas driver, who qualified for the race in 20th position, will not take part in Sunday's season finale as the team confirmed that he tested positive for the virus. A short statement from the team said that Mazepin is "physically well, having been asymptomatic, but he will now self-isolate and adhere to the guidelines of the relevant public health authorities, with safety the ultimate priority for all parties concerned". The team wished their driver well, saying they look forward to his return at pre-season testing in 2022.
Haas to race one car
As the entirety of the practice programme - as well as qualifying - for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has already been completed, Haas are prevented from replacing Mazepin for this race. This is due to the Sporting Regulations outlining that a driver must have taken part in either a practice or qualifying session pre-race, in order to ensure that they don't jump into the car without any track time. This means that Haas will only field Mick Schumacher (19th on the grid) on Sunday.
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