The Russian ex-Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin has spoken out with curious advice to the drivers Mick Schumacher, Sebastian Vettel, Daniel Ricciardo and Nicholas Latifi who are leaving the premier class.
“This weekend I was at the Formula 1 race in Abu Dhabi. It was nice to be there as a guest and to meet old friends. I took the opportunity to say a few words of wisdom to Seb, Daniel, Nicky and Mick judge,” Mazepin wrote on Instagram.
The 23-year-old was fired as a teammate by Schumacher at Haas before the start of the season because of Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine.
Mazepin said in his statement that he wanted to talk about the “five steps” that ex-Formula 1 drivers are now expecting.
Stage 1 is “denial,” the Russian wrote. “You will find yourself driving in circles around your house. Don’t make the mistake I made – turn on your stopwatch. It’s possible that another Formula 1 team is interested in your results and you the next ones don’t have to go through four phases.”
“Drink, party on the yacht, sleep in, gain five kilos”
The second stage is “anger,” according to Mazepin. “You blame everyone but yourself for the end. Especially the Netflix ‘Drive to Survive’ film crew. You watch the races and yell at the screen.”
After that, Mick Schumacher and Co. expect the “negotiation” phase, it said in Mazepin’s Instagram post. “You hold a press conference where you put on a brave face and thank the team boss who fired you. The hope is that your bright smile and natural charm will earn you a spot on a team.”
Mazepin, who recently started a new career as a DJ and event manager, named stage 4 as “depression”. He wrote: “Drinking, partying on the yacht, sleeping in, gaining five kilos. You repeat this in an endless loop. It won’t be easy to get through this phase, but your friends will enjoy it.”
Warm words for ex-Formula 1 teammate Mick Schumacher
Finally, the lives of former Formula 1 stars are entering the “acceptance” phase. “Congratulations! You’re stopping obsessing over F1 and thinking about the next steps – while staying in shape and keeping the door open to return!” said Mazepin.
Mazepin closed his post on the social network with warm words for all four ex-colleagues – including Schumacher, with whom he did not exactly have a close friendship during the Haas time together.
“Mick, we grew up in this sport together,” Mazepin wrote. “I wish you the best of luck in whatever comes.”