WATCH: F1 Driver Nikita Mazepin Crosses Paths With UFC Legend Khabib Nurmagomedov

After the conclusion of the Hungarian Grand Prix, Formula 1 entered summers break. The drivers are in relaxed mode and recharging their batteries for a hectic second half of the season. And so does the Haas F1 driver, Nikita Mazepin, who recently met Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Taking to Instagram, Nikita Mazepin uploaded an image from his official Instagram account with his fellow compatriot and former UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov ahead of the Belgian Grand Prix.

Watch Story: From Shocking Lewis Hamilton Crash to Ferrari Pit Stop Blunder: Most Sensational Moments in Bahrain GP History

Mental health played a pivotal role in dealing with criticism: Nikita Mazepin

Nikita Mazepin has had a disastrous start to his rookie season in F1. The young Russian was involved in several controversies on and off the track. Since the start of the season, Mazepin has struggled to maneuver his car and as a result, he was involved in several crashes and spun frequently. Eventually, the young Russian was given the nickname: ‘Maze-spin’.

Meanwhile, when asked about his mindset and whether he was gaining confidence, Nikita Mazepin replied: “I went through some difficult times, some learning times.”

“I think mental health is an important thing. There are people out there who are struggling much more than me, so I can’t really complain. At the end of the day, when I turn up to a racetrack in Bahrain, everything is new to me.”

Formula One F1 – Formula One – Azerbaijan Grand Prix – Baku City Circuit, Baku, Azerbaijan – June 3, 2021. Haas’ Nikita Mazepin ahead of the Grand Prix REUTERS/Anton Vaganov.

“I think the confidence you’re referring to is more to do with me not being confident in driving that very fast new car that I only had one-and-a-half days of testing in.

“Obviously, it’s one thing testing. The other thing is 19 very fast drivers around at a very high speed. Life’s a big learning curve. I’m just getting better in everything I do and try to improve as the day goes on,” added Mazepin.

Read More: Predicting F1’s Next Race-Winner After Ocon – Norris, Sainz, Stroll, Russell, or Nyck de Vries?

Can Nikita Mazepin out-perform his teammate, Mick Schumacher, in the second half of the season? What do you think? Let us know in the comments section below.

The post WATCH: F1 Driver Nikita Mazepin Crosses Paths With UFC Legend Khabib Nurmagomedov appeared first on EssentiallySports.