Mazepin clears up rumors of Russian military service

Mazepin made his F1 debut with Haas earlier this year after graduating from F2 and achieved his best result to date with 14th place in Azerbaijan last weekend.

But reports surfaced on the Internet last week suggesting Mazepin may be serving in the military in his native Russia after comments were attributed to his father Dmitry at a recent business event in St. Petersburg.

Military service in Russia is usually a one-year period for men between the ages of 18 and 27, albeit with exceptions.

Mazepin said in response to the speculation that he was “aware there has been a bit of discussion,” but stated that in addition to graduating from Moscow State University, he was already taking the necessary courses to meet his requirements.

“From my side, the situation is very clear,” said Mazepin.

“I’m studying at the university, and the way it works in Russia, there is compulsory military service and there are two ways of serving if you are fit enough.

“Option one is to finish university and then go for a year. And option two is that if you become fit enough in terms of your fitness scores and learning outcomes, you can move on to what is known as an elite army that is served in a completely different way.

Nikita Mazepin, Haas VF-21

Photo by: Charles Coates / Motorsport Images

“It’s one day of the week and you’re learning to be a reserve officer. And it’s three years, but only one day a week, and it’s basically done in one class.

“I’ve been doing this for two years. And of course I’ll do that for another year, hopefully to graduate as a reserve officer.

“I passed my final exam at the university five days ago to finish my first four years, and I will do a second master’s later in the next two years.”

Mazepin studied economics and languages ​​through his initial master’s degree, which in recent years has also been completed in addition to his racing tasks through GP3 and Formula 2.