Nikita Mazepin got off to a terrible start to his rookie season in Formula 1. The young Russian was embroiled in several controversies on and off the track. Since the beginning of the season he has had trouble maneuvering his VF-21. As a result, he was involved in many falls and spun frequently. And at the recently concluded Italian GP, Mazepin retired on lap 42 after a drive problem.
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The former F1 driver and Mick’s uncle Ralf Schumacher meanwhile indicated that Mazepin’s father is not only a sponsor but also a partner of the Haas F1 team. Ralf Dimitri Mazepin also sees a bigger role because his son’s self-confidence does not yet keep up with his achievements.
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Your father is not only a sponsor, but also a partner: Ralf Schumacher on Mazepin’s father
“He [Nikita Mazepin] is very aggressive in his statements, criticizes the team boss for the new car as he did last weekend and says that the new chassis is better, ”wrote Ralf Schumacher in his SkySports F1 column.
Formula 1 F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 4, 2021. Haas’ Nikita Mazepin REUTERS / Piroschka Van De Wouw.
“True to the motto: I was disadvantaged. You almost get the feeling that your father is not only a sponsor but also a partner, because otherwise you have to say that his self-confidence does not yet match his achievements. “(Translated with Google Translate)
Nikita Mazepin apologized to Mick Schumacher after the accident at the Italian GP
During the Italian Grand Prix, Mazepin ran after Schumacher and when he was about to overtake the German, the two rookies came into contact. As a result, Mick Schumacher turned around and the stewards gave Nikita Mazepin a five-second penalty.
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However, after the race, Nikita Mazepin apologized to his teammate for the incident in Monza.
“I think it’s really easy. It was my fault and I have no shame [in having] to apologize. I am sure that he will make a lot of mistakes in the future and I will make a lot of mistakes in the future and the most important thing is to stay human, ”said Nikita Mazepin.
NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Nikita Mazepin from Russia and Haas F1 and Mick Schumacher from Germany and Haas F1 watch the prototype for the 2022 F1 season during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on May 15. It will be unveiled July 2021 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Lars Baron / Getty Images)
“It was my mess, no discussion about it. I deserved the penalty even if it wasn’t on purpose and I was lucky that it didn’t lose too much time. He could spin the car right away. It was my fault, now I just apologize, ”Mazepin concluded.
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