Nikita Mazepin has faced some difficult times in the last few months. American team Haas F1 dropped the driver pre-2022 season. Since then, he has spoken up about his loss multiple times. However, after vowing to keep trying and racing elsewhere, the driver has finally won a race!
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The driver took part in a 10-day rally event in a side-by-side vehicle. This was a Silk Way Rally, which Mazepin won despite being a debutante in cross-country rallies. Notably, the Russian won Stage 7 of the event and managed to retain the lead in his category.
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This was Mazepin’s first win at a motorsport event after losing his seat and it did not go unnoticed by Twitter fans who reacted in various ways to the 23-year-old’s win.
All his off-road experience in F1 prepared him for this
— Olaf (not the 
) (@notthesnowman) July 18, 2022
How bad was his competition?
— Peek Performance | MV1 SP11 KM20 (@PeekPerfomance) July 16, 2022
NIKITA MAZEPIN DID NOT JUST WIN A RUSSIAN RALLY RACE
— Nino 
(@theNinoGaming) July 18, 2022
“Compared to the Formula 1 [cars], the only common thing is the steering wheel and four wheels. It was very hot, very challenging and it was the real test. I’m incredibly happy I managed to win,” Mazepin told the TASS news agency after his victory, quoted by Speedweek.
DIVE DEEPER
“It was a great experience that I would like to repeat. Ten days of off-road left an unforgettable impression. We went through a lot with the team during the rally.” He further added.
Nikita Mazepin has threatened Haas
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Mazepin’s 2021 F1 season was arguably not great. Later in 2022, things took a turn for the worse as his relationship with Haas strained after they dropped him. To make things worse for the Russian, Kevin Magnussen’s arrival took the American team to new heights. And though former teammate Mick Schumacher struggled initially, he has now improved significantly mid-season, scoring points.
Formula One F1 – Mexico Grand Prix – Autodromo Hermanos Rodriguez, Mexico City, Mexico – November 4, 2021 Haas’ Nikita Mazepin during the press conference Pool via REUTERS/Edgard Garrido
Last month, Mazepin made some claims about his unpaid salary and the money that the team still owes him for his service. Further, the driver threatened to take the team to court.
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Now, what are your thoughts on the whole situation? Can Mazepin ever return to Formula 1? Do you want to see him there?
