WATCH: Fernando Alonso Swaps Helmets With Nikita Mazepin

The 2-time world champion Fernando Alonso is on a mission to collect signed helmets. He recently signed, praised, and swapped helmets with Williams driver George Russell. He has now swapped helmets with the controversial Haas driver, Nikita Mazepin.

Haas F1 team has posted a video on their social media handles where Alonso is guiding the Russian on how to sign the helmet. The two drivers seemed to share a pleasant exchange with each other when signing helmets.

Alonso also mentioned his quirk of collecting signed helmets. He stated while signing the helmets that he has 50 signed helmets. The two-time champion was gracious enough to give Mazepin his own signed helmet.

After swapping their helmets, the two drivers patiently clicked pictures with each other.

Watch Story: Alonso swaps signed helmets with Nikita Mazepin

Alonso and Vettel are down-to-earth and very open: Nikita Mazepin

The Haas driver has had a tough start to his Formula1 career. Before even entering the highest echelon of racing, Mazepin rubbed off fans the wrong way when he posted a controversial video. He faced severe backlash from everyone involved with Formula One.

Speaking to sports.ru, Nikita mentioned the reaction of the drivers on his arrival in F1, “Of those pilots with whom I came into contact – with all very good relations. I would especially note the older generation – such as Alonso or Vettel. Very nice men.

“I constantly followed them since childhood, when I just started watching Formula 1, and introduced them as supermen and even superheroes. And they are down-to-earth and very open,” said Mazepin.

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Always had a good relationship with Lando: Mazepin

Mazepin had a horrible start to his debut race in Bahrain when he crashed out of the race on the opening lap of the race. The fans coined the term ‘Maze-spin’ after he spun out of the race. Lando Norris is one driver who came out to support Mazepin after his spin.

Mazepin reacted to Lando’s comments, “His video was forwarded by my manager, who used to work with Lando. He is a young guy, a very successful racer, but has repeatedly found himself in difficult career situations.

“As far as I know, during the stream, he simply disagreed with the viewers who caught the hate wave. I was sincerely pleased, I have always had a good relationship with him – I hope they will remain the same,” said Mazepin.

What do you think? Is Mazepin the most controversial driver in F1 history? Comment below to let us know.