Nikita Mazepin has been under scrutiny since he was recruited at Haas F1. At the Azerbaijan Grand Prix a few weeks ago, the Russian came under fire again. Fortunately, the 22-year-old seems to have a supporter in the form of F1 legend Gerhard Berger.
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The most recent incident occurred when Mazepin and teammate Mick Schumacher went wheel to wheel at the checkered flag. According to Schumacher, the move was so risky that a little joke by the Russian could have been fatal; However, Berger did not agree with this idea.
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“It was completely normal for us,” said Berger. “The man in front always did that. At that time it was allowed or there were no cameras to see it. “
What else did he say about Nikita Mazepin?
Since Mazepin didn’t take a penalty, there was no problem according to the Austrian. In other words, the stewards would have punished the Russian for breaking the rules. In the absence of further action, Mazepin was assumed to be within its limits.
Formula 1 F1 – Formula 1 – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 3, 2021, Nikita Mazepin von Haas before the REUTERS / Anton Vaganov Grand Prix
Interestingly, another former F1 driver Christian Danner was on Nikita Mazepin’s side. According to his statement, Mick Schumacher cannot expect his teammate to change for him. This is especially important on the last lap of the race, where there are no longer any limits.
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Berger admitted, however, that Schumacher had already established himself as the top dog at Haas. In essence, the German driver channels his father’s genes. Although Mazepin will have a hard time beating him, the Russian is still doing his job.
Sure, he’s not immune to making mistakes and is like everyone else. Mazepin needs to be given a chance to grow and thrive under the Haas F1 banner, however. As long as he can deliver a good and clean fight with Schumacher, he should be fine.
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