Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher rose from Formula 2 to the premier class in 2021 to inherit Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen at Haas. Even if they usually brought up the rear in a car that has hardly been further developed, the two rookies fought a tough battle within the team.
This led to several incidents on the route. The media then repeatedly spoke of tensions between teammates.
When asked about this, Mazepin reveals in an interview with the Russian edition of ‘Motorsport.com’: “I’m not sure that it was exaggerated. I think there were some difficult times when he got to know me and I got to know him.”
Mazepin: “Now it’s a very neutral relationship”
“Every time I hit the track, I want to be the first car to finish and I’ve always wanted that. And I’ll never stop wanting that until I leave the paddock and put my passport on hang the wall, “says the Russian.
In the meantime, however, the working relationship with Schumacher has normalized, his Haas team-mate emphasizes: “Now it’s a very neutral relationship that has neither ups nor downs, but is simply constant. And that is the only way to get into this sport get good results. “
Although Mazepin admits that he and Schumacher are not exactly friends, he understands that the two youngsters must work together to jointly advance the team and avoid clashes on the track.
For Haas: Mazepin and Schumacher are united by one goal
“I’m here to win races. I know that probably won’t happen any time soon, but the way there is is to get the best car and get it set up asap. And that takes two people.”
“I’m sure Mick has exactly the same thoughts, ambitions and goals in mind. So we do what the team needs. And I think we always try to do a little more on both sides of the garage, to achieve these goals, “says Mazepin, explaining the joint approach.
Of course you have to “slow down” your approach and be “more careful” when fighting with your own team-mate on the track. “Because in Formula 1 it is really critical when something happens between two cars on the same team,” he knows from painful experience.
“But in the end we are here for Nikita Mazepin, who is from Russia, and the other side is this and that from whatever country. I live my own life and want to make my own life as good as possible.”
“I want to make sure I have as many trophies as possible in my house, be it in Formula 1 or another series, before I do anything else. So yeah, I’m a team player, but if I had to give up I would never do that. “
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