Bahrain GP: Nikita Mazepin Justifies Cutting Off Vettel and Other F1 Drivers in Q1

Nikita Mazepin had a forgettable qualifying session ahead of his maiden F1 race. The Russian driver ended his first-ever quali dead last, but that was not before he managed to sabotage the final hot lap of a few other drivers, including Sebastian Vettel. Mazepin was given a lot of flak on social media for not obeying the ‘gentleman’s agreement.’ However, the Haas driver defended his actions stating he was not aware of any such sportsmanship code.

What exactly did Nikita do to get the flak, you ask?

Well, he basically overtook a host of other cars who were ready to start a flying lap on the back straight in the dying moments of Q1. But after he did so, it was almost as if karma struck. Nikita spun into turn 1, but in doing so, he also botched everyone else’s session by bringing out yellow flags.

Speaking post-qualifying for the Bahrain Grand Prix, he diverted part of the blame onto his team.

Nikita Mazepin states his reason for his actions

He said, “If you would have noticed, I was held for a long time on the weighbridge, so I lost loads of time. My team told me there is not enough time to cross the start finish line if I don’t go now.

“So I’m obviously the team’s driver, I’m doing as instructed and the instructions were to push – I pushed. And to be very honest, I’ve never heard about this agreement before, however I will take notice from now on.”

Nevertheless, Mazepin wasn’t the only Haas driver who had a forgettable debut. His teammate Mick Schumacher didn’t manage to fare a whole lot better.

Schumacher Jr. will be starting his first F1 race alongside Mazepin at the back of the grid in P19. However, the man who stole the show on Saturday i.e. Max Verstappen expects Mick to do well and learn a lot through the course of the season.

As things stand, though, it looks like Haas may not be opening their points tally anytime soon.

So, the first race will be all about acclimatizing to F1 for their two rookie drivers. Which one of them will come out on top? We shall soon find out.

Also Read: Red Bull F1 Induct Sebastian Vettel Into Hall of Fame