Nikita Mazepin made his Formula 1 debut in the 2021 season. But even before entering the sport, the Russian was involved in a controversy that cast him in a bad light. So he got little love and positive recognition in sport in his rookie season.
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But Russian journalist Alexei Popov believes Mazepin fell victim to the perception that he is the billionaire’s son and not a competent driver.
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Russian journalist mentions how Nikita Mazepin was mistreated in Formula 1 in 2021
As reported by Championat.com, Popov said that Mazepin was not commended for his driving as everyone believed he was in the sport because of his father. He also pointed out that Nikita isn’t the only driver on the grid who has a billionaire father.
Formula 1 F1 – Italian Grand Prix – Autodromo Nazionale Monza, Monza, Italy – September 9, 2021 Haas’ Nikita Mazepin ahead of the Italian Grand Prix REUTERS / Jennifer Lorenzini
“It’s about perception. So Nikita fell victim to the fact that he has a rich father, despite the fact that in modern Formula 1 the same rabbit boy, Lando Norris, has a father with a fortune of £ 1 billion. However, for some reason, it’s not customary to talk about it. But still! “Said Popov.
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It is interesting to see Popov comparing Nikita Mazepin to Lando Norris. Although both come from wealthy backgrounds, their junior careers have been completely different.
Norris finished P2 in a fiercely competitive 2018 F2 season that now featured F1 drivers George Russell, Alex Albon and Nicholas Latifi.
While many fans have accused the young Russian of being a pay driver. He had a lot of question marks before he got into the sport. He had finished 5th in the Formula 2 season in which Haas team-mate Mick Schumacher had now won.
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But we hope that Nikita Mazepin can change the surrounding perception as a contract driver next year. He is expected to play at a much more competitive Haas next season. Hopefully he can show his talent and speed and prove the doubters wrong.
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