F1 Journalist Will Buxton Explains How Nikita Mazepin is Becoming Everyone’s Scapegoat

Nikita Mazepin is under fire from the F1 community once again. The Haas driver has angered his teammate Mick Schumacher this time for his actions on the track at the Dutch Grand Prix. But some people, including team principal Guenther Steiner and F1 journalists, have come to the aid of the Russian driver’s defense.

F1 journalist Will Buxton mentioned we should not pile hate on Mazepin every time he makes a mistake. He also stated that he has improved since the start of the season.

WATCH STORY: F1 Drivers Fighting on Track

F1 Journalist defends Nikita Mazepin his incident with Schumacher

Buxton mentions that the Haas driver was justified in being frustrated in his qualifying and defending his position in the race. He stated if he was out of line, the stewards would have penalized him.

“Feel like it’s getting way too easy and way too frequent to dump on Mazepin. He has shown increased pace and performance since getting the new chassis. Was justified with both qualifying frustration and defending his position in the race, which he did without the need for investigation.” said Buxton in regard to Mazepin’s criticism.

Haas team principal Guenther Steiner also defended Mazepin in his incident with Mick Schumacher.

“I think you can always say it’s dangerous. You can avoid danger. I don’t think it was a nasty move, to be honest. I looked at this scenario and it takes always two to tango.” said Steiner.

READ MORE: Why did F1 Ban Refueling?

I don’t think so, to be honest: Mick Schumacher

Mick Schumacher was angry at Mazepin for blocking him in the qualifying on Saturday. He had another incident with his teammate when he was trying to pass him in the race.

When asked if they can repair their partnership going forwards, “I don’t think so, to be honest,” said Mick.

“It seems like he has this thing in his head where he wants to, by any cost, be in front of me. That’s okay, I haven’t anything against it.

But I think if we go to the point where we defend very aggressively, against a teammate where you don’t have anything to gain, I think that is maybe not the right approach.” said Mick.

Mazepin was also under fire for his defense on Sergio Perez in the race, which also garnered criticism from the Mexican.

Is the criticism of Mazepin fair? Let us know.