Nikita Mazepin has endured a turbulent debut season in F1 so far. Racing for Haas, the 22-year-old often faced criticism for various incidents this season. Furthermore, many speak about how his father, Dmitry plays a huge role as a key sponsor of Haas.
According to his son Nikita, the Russian oligarch could buy an F1 team in the future. However, the 22-year-old driver admitted he would remain loyal to Haas.
Nikita Mazepin reveals the possibility of his father buying another team
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Dmitry Mazepin holds a majority stake in Uralchem, who signed a sponsorship deal with Haas from this season. This means his son, Nikita comes into the sport with huge financial backing, which could help a team change its fortunes around.
In fact, their sponsorship means Haas races as the Uralkali Haas F1 team this year. Furthermore, they announced Mazepin and his teammate Mick Schumacher as their drivers for next year prior to the Russian Grand Prix weekend, which is the 22-year-old’s home race.
While admitting his father could buy an F1 team, the Moscow-born driver admitted his loyalty remains with Haas. He said, “For my father it would be an interesting option to buy a team. Anything he touched became gold.
“But I am very loyal to Haas, so if he were to buy a team, it would be curious to see how they go and hopefully we can beat them. Nor would I rule out leaving Haas to join a possible new team, now I am racing in a stable tenth out of ten in the constructors’ classification. But I repeat, I am loyal and I want to be successful with Haas.” (Quotes translated by Google)
READ MORE: Who Is Nikita Mazepin’s Billionaire Father – Dmitry Mazepin?
Mazepin: The team sees me as an asset
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The Russian driver further mentioned how the team see him as a key part of the establishment. However, he also believed putting a driver of the same nationality in the team helped Uralchem, who look at F1 as a business opportunity.
“I have a place in Formula 1 because I am a driver and the team sees me as an asset,” said the 22-year-old. “The Uralchem sponsorship is there because the company sees F1 as an opportunity for new business. Being the only Russian driver, it is natural that a Russian company wants to invest in a team where a fellow countryman races.”
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Haas have struggled throughout this season, which is highlighted by the fact that they’re yet to score their first points. With seven races to go, they will hope 2022 brings better fortune for them.
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