UPDATE | FIA and F1 support Haas after inappropriate action Mazepin

F1 News

10 December 2020 at 10:40
Last update 10 December 2020 at 10:40
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  • Matt Gretton
  • Editor-in-Chief

Nikita Mazepin has apologised after he posted an inappropriate video on his social media account. The Russian, who is due to drive for Haas in Formula 1 next year, posted a video which appeared to show him reach across in a car and inappropriately touch a woman who tried to move Mazepin's hand away. 

Nikita Mazepin was announced last week as Haas' new driver for 2021, alongside Mick Schumacher. Mazepin seems to get that chance in 2021 mainly through the money from his father Dmitry. 

Mazepin under attack

The video has since been removed, but the Russian has come under a lot of criticism. Haas have now responded, but the question is whether such a driver belongs in Formula 1?

UPDATE 10:36 | Mazepin apologises after online video

Nikita Mazepin has apologised in a Tweet for the online video that has appeared. "I would like to apologise for my recent actions both in terms of my own inappropriate behaviour and the fact that it was posted onto social media," Mazepin said in the statement.

"I am sorry for the offence I have rightly caused and to the embarrassment, I have brought to Haas F1 Team. I have to hold myself to a higher standard as a Formula 1 driver and I acknowledge I have let myself and many people down. I promise I will learn from this," concluded Haas's future F1 driver.

UPDATE 13:04 | Lady in question also responds

Earlier today, Nikita Mazepin reacted via social media to his misconduct, which was shown in a video on social media. In the meantime, the lady in question has also reacted, which considerably nuances the whole situation.

UPDATE 10-12-2020 - 10:40 AM | FIA and F1 support Haas after inappropriate action Mazepin

The FIA and Formula 1 have made their voices heard jointly in the case of Nikita Mazepin. The FIA and Formula One jointly expressed their support for Haas in their response to Mazepin's inappropriate behaviour. ''Mazepin has provided a public excuse for his conduct and the matter will continue to be resolved internally by Haas. The ethical principles and the diverse and inclusive culture of our sport are of paramount importance to the FIA and Formula 1'', the statement says.