Nikita Mazepin Grateful to the Four Drivers Who Comforted Him After F1 Sacking

Formula 1 is all set to return on the 18th of March, with Bahrain hosting the first race. Currently, the teams are busy gathering data at the Bahrain testing and will look for things to improve on. However, one team on the grid has not had an ideal start to the season, and that’s Haas.

With the ongoing Ukraine-Russia Conflict, Haas recently ended their contract with Uralkali and one of their drivers, Nikita Mazepin. Subsequently, they have announced Kevin Magnussen as the Russian’s replacement. Mazepin, who has believed to be harshly treated by this decision, has revealed that few drivers have sent him a message of support.

The drivers checking in on Mazepin

Nikita Mazepin had a season to forget in 2021. Although both the drivers failed to score any point, Nikita’s teammate Mick Schumacher outpaced him for almost every race weekend. Considering this, the 2022 season was a new lease of hope for the Russian. However, even before Mazepin could get a shot at redemption, Haas terminated his contract.

Mazepin felt the decision to let go of him was unfair, but revealed that a few F1 drivers sent a message of support. He said, “Sergio [Perez], Valtteri [Bottas], Charles [Leclerc] and George [Russell] all contacted me.

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“They know how important the situation is, and they showed their support after I lost the opportunity to compete. The messages were nothing political but just on a personal level – to keep my head up because athletes have been broken and lives have been destroyed after a decision like that.”

The Russian was thankful for the support he has received from fellow F1 drivers who, according to him, are fighting every day to keep their F1 seat. Haas have replaced him with their 2020 driver Kevin Magnussen and will look to start the season strong.

What does the future hold for Mazepin?

Although Mazepin’s tenure as an F1 driver was short, the 23-year-old believes he will return to the sport one day. He also revealed that he is working towards achieving the goal.

Mazepin also confirmed that he has set up a foundation named “We Compete As One” in partnership with Uralkali. This foundation helps the athletes who are suspended from participating in their field.

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He added, “We all know that the career of an athlete is a short one, and that it requires years of intense sacrifice to perform at the highest level. When that final reward is taken away, it is devastating. And no one is thinking what happens next to these athletes. I will be addressing this.”

Nikita Mazepin’s rookie season was poor, but he was working hard to improve his performances in 2022. However, Haas threw a curveball when they terminated his contract. Was Mazepin unfairly treated? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.