On a strange day, Nikita Mazepin’s first fastest lap for an F1 race at the Belgian Grand Prix was lost in the rain.
However, Haas took note.
The Belgian Grand Prix on Sunday will go down as the shortest race of all time in Formula 1 history, with the drivers taking an introductory lap and two full laps behind the safety car just under two hours later.
It was enough to declare a classification with Mazepin P17 that day and his team-mate Mick Schumacher P16.
Nothing earth-shaking for the Haas team.
But if you look at the details of the Grand Prix, a 3: 18.016 behind the safety car meant Mazepin set the fastest lap time of the race.
Unfortunately, the Russian didn’t get a point because he was outside the top ten.
The roads will never forget # HaasF1 #BelgianGP pic.twitter.com/DHj33XOTbD
– Haas F1 Team (@ HaasF1Team) August 29, 2021
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Mazepin’s fastest lap time was anything but a fast time, over a full minute slower than his qualifying time on Saturday.
However, that was set in better conditions with much less water on the track.
Regarding his day, the Haas rookie endorsed Formula 1’s decision not to actually drive, saying there was no visibility behind the safety car even at the slow speeds.
“It could have gone many different ways,” he said.
“With so much water on the track, it was very difficult to see – at least from my starting position.
“We weren’t that fast behind the safety car, but you just weren’t sure where the car was in front of you, I just had to try to keep my distance before the rain settled in the air.
“It wasn’t the best day for us, but I can imagine that it was even more difficult for the fans. I could see that some of them didn’t even have umbrellas. With the amount of water falling today, they must be soaking wet – but thanks to everyone who stayed.
“I had an early end to the race in Hungary, our race today ended prematurely, but at least this time we’re on a triple header stint with Zandvoort and Monza. I hope for good races. “
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