F1 News
Banned Mazepin holds out for F1 entrance: 'Then it's me'
- Ludo van Denderen
After Russia invaded Ukraine, the Haas F1 team did not hesitate for a moment: Nikita Mazepin had to leave immediately. Meanwhile, three years on, the Russian billionaire's son has not given up hope of a return to Formula One. Indeed, if a Russian returns to F1 within seven years, "it will be me".
The one season Mazepin was active in F1, he barely managed to impress. Most of the time, the Russian lost to teammate Mick Schumacher. Mainly thanks to the large amount of sponsorship money he brought in thanks to Mazepin sr., and his company Uralkali, Mazepin was still kept in the lineup to start his second year in Formula 1. But during the pre-season test days, Russia invaded neighbouring Ukraine and Mazepin was sidelined.
Mazepin is ready for new F1 adventure
However, Mazepin still has the dream of a return to Formula 1. To the Russian edition of Forbes, he said, "I am 25 now. I think if there will be a Russian in Formula 1 in the next seven years, it will be me."
"Because if someone calls me and says I have to get behind the wheel in four months, there will be no problem. And I will definitely be in perfect physical condition until I am at least 32 years old," the Russian told the Medium.
Should an opportunity arise anywhere, a mature Nikita Mazepin will appear at the start, the driver said of himself. "I am better prepared than before I debuted in Formula 1. And my lack of experience with this type of car can be solved very quickly," he already promised a potential employer.
This article was written in collaboration with Norberto Mujica.
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