‘We Are Not Friends’ – Nikita Mazepin Not Interested in Any F1 Bromance With Mick Schumacher at Haas

Haas’ lineup might be one of the most intriguing driver pairings to look out for in the 2021 F1 season. The American team has decided to roll the dice and go with two rookies – Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin for the upcoming season.

The two new drivers have already created a name for themselves, albeit due to different reasons. While expectations may not be very high for them at Haas, the on-track battle and the off-track camaraderie between the two may be something to keep an eye out for.

Schumacher and Mazepin are not unknown to one another. The duo have been teammates previously during their karting days. However, if one’s expecting a new bromance on the 2021 grid, Mazepin’s words might leave you disappointed.

The Russian driver said (translated via Google), “We are not friends with him. We are two former acquaintances who competed together in karting at the most.”

Mazepin doesn’t seem interested in focusing on anything other than the racing aspect against Mick. The 21-year-old added, “I don’t really care about the last name he has. He’ll have more power because of his last name, but the pressure on him will also increase.

“I personally stop thinking about all this when I lower the viewfinder.”

What does Mick Schumacher make of Nikita Mazepin as a teammate?

The 2020 F2 champion said, “We were teammates on Tony Kart in 2013 and 2014, so I got to know him there. He was really good. We had good respect as teammates.

“From that point on, he was just as much for him. I didn’t pay attention, so I didn’t know. It will be interesting to know him next year. Because we’ve all grown since the past.”

So, clearly, they aren’t going to be rivaling the likes of Daniel Ricciardo and Lando Norris as a duo this season. The new Haas boys seem content with focusing on their respective careers and the business aspect of the sport.

Considering Haas are going to be racing at the very back of the grid, their only competition may be against each other. Mick and Nikita would both want to outdo each other and show that they belong at this level.