For the first time since he was fired from the Haas Formula 1 racing team, Nikita Mazepin spoke in detail. The Russian settled accounts with his ex-team at a press conference in Moscow and made allegations – his ex-colleague Mick Schumacher also got something.
After being kicked out of the Formula 1 racing team, Nikita Mazepin is very disappointed. In a press conference in Moscow, he gave an insight into his inner life. The 23-year-old said he felt hurt and treated unfairly.
He also reserves the right to take legal action against his ex-team. Almost at the same time, ex-sponsor Uralkali demanded millions from Haas in a statement.
“I should have gotten more support from Haas because there is no legal basis for ending my contract just like that,” he said. “I am very disappointed with the way Haas handled it. The last time I spoke to team boss Günther Steiner was during the Barcelona test, then Haas only sent the letter from the lawyers and then silence.”
According to Mazepin, the said letter arrived at the same time as the official team announcement of the expulsion. “There was no warning,” he accuses the racing team. “It’s all very painful and unexpected. I’ll need time to digest it,” Mazepin said, emphasizing that he would like to speak directly to Haas. He didn’t have the opportunity to do that.
Ex-colleague Mick Schumacher also felt the Russian’s displeasure. According to Mazepin, some drivers like George Russell, Valtteri Bottas or Charles Leclerc sent him encouraging messages. On the other hand, he had heard nothing from Schumacher. “In situations like these, your true self shows,” said the 23-year-old, who had always had a split relationship with the German during the 2021 season.
Mazepin: “Then my contract was terminated”
A return to Haas is out of the question for him. He doesn’t want to go back to “where I’m not wanted. The trust is gone.” Nevertheless, the Formula 1 dream is not over for him.
Mazepin announced that he wanted to keep fit and seize a possible opportunity to return if it presented itself. “I dreamed of becoming a Formula 1 driver for 18 years. That dream has now burst.” He will not take part in any other racing series. His focus is now on the newly established foundation for Russian athletes who are currently unable to compete. The name: “We compete as one”. Apparently a nod to the F1 diversity motto ‘We Race As One’.
While other sports banned Russian athletes from their competitions, the world motorsport association FIA ignored the IOC recommendation. Mazepin could theoretically have started 2022 under a neutral flag. He was “ready” to take this step, he said, referring to tennis pro Daniil Medvedev. The world number one may continue to participate in tournaments as a neutral athlete. “But then my contract was terminated.”
Who will be Mazepin’s successor?
Last weekend, the racing team officially kicked out its driver. The US team is also parting ways with title sponsor Uralkali as a result of the Russian war of aggression. The head of the company is Dmitri Mazepin, who is close to the Kremlin and close to Putin. Nikita Mazepin did not want to comment on the Russian war of aggression in Ukraine at the press conference.
During the test drives in Bahrain (Thursday to Saturday), reserve driver Pietro Fittipaldi will initially take over the cockpit from Mazepin. It was initially unclear on Wednesday who would become a regular driver.
According to RTL/ntv information, Antonio Giovinazzi and Kevin Magnussen are the two final candidates for Haas.