“Not Only a Sponsor… “ – Schumacher Implies Mazepin’s Father Plays an Even Bigger ‘Role’ at Haas

Nikita Mazepin has had a dreadful start to his rookie season in Formula 1. The young Russian driver was involved in several controversies on and off the track. Since the start of the season, he has struggled to maneuver his VF-21. As a result, he has been involved in many crashes and spun frequently. And at the recently concluded Italian GP, Mazepin retired on lap 42 after a power unit issue.

Meanwhile, former F1 driver and Mick’s uncle, Ralf Schumacher, implied that Mazepin’s father is not only a sponsor but also a partner of the Haas F1 team. In addition, Ralf believes Dimitri Mazepin plays a bigger role because his son’s self-confidence does not yet match his achievements.

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Your father is not only a sponsor but also a partner: Ralf Schumacher on Mazepin’s father

“He [Nikita Mazepin] is very aggressive in his statements, criticizes the team boss, like last weekend, for the new car, and says that the new chassis was better,” wrote Ralf Schumacher in his SkySports F1 column.

Formula One F1 – Dutch Grand Prix – Circuit Zandvoort, Zandvoort, Netherlands – September 4, 2021. Haas’ Nikita Mazepin REUTERS/Piroschka Van De Wouw.

“True to the motto: I was disadvantaged. This way you almost get the feeling that your father is not only a sponsor but also a partner because otherwise, you have to say that his self-confidence does not yet match his achievements.” (Translated via Google Translate)

Nikita Mazepin apologized to Mick Schumacher after the Italian GP crash

During the Italian Grand Prix, Mazepin was running behind Schumacher and as he went to overtake the German, the two rookies made contact. As a result, Mick Schumacher spun around and the stewards awarded a five-second penalty to Nikita Mazepin.

Although, after the race, Nikita Mazepin apologized to his teammate for the Monza incident.

“I think that one is really simple. It was my mistake and I have no shame [in having] to apologize. I’m sure he will make a lot of mistakes in the future and I will make a lot of mistakes in the future and the most important thing is to remain a human,” said Nikita Mazepin.

NORTHAMPTON, ENGLAND – JULY 15: Nikita Mazepin of Russia and Haas F1 and Mick Schumacher of Germany and Haas F1 look on as the prototype for the 2022 F1 season is unveiled during previews ahead of the F1 Grand Prix of Great Britain at Silverstone on July 15, 2021 in Northampton, England. (Photo by Lars Baron/Getty Images)

“It was my mess-up, no discussion on it. I deserved the penalty even though it wasn’t on purpose and I was fortunate he didn’t lose too much time by it. He was able to spin the car round straight away. It was my fault, now I just say sorry,” concluded Mazepin.

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