Haas has vowed to deal with Nikita Mazepin internally after their 2021 driver posted an “abhorrent” video on social media.
A now-deleted post appears to show the Russian inappropriately touch a female passenger while riding in a car accompanied by the caption “she’s the best”, leading to an outroar on Twitter, with Mazepin the top trend at the time of writing.
Haas were quick to respond to the incident, posting this statement: “Haas F1 Team does not condone the behaviour of Nikita Mazepin in the video recently posted on his social media.
“Additionally, the very fact that the video was posted on social media is also abhorrent to Haas F1 Team.
“The matter is being dealt with internally and no further comment shall be made at this time.”
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Mazepin himself then added: “I would like to apologise for my recent actions both in terms of my inappropriate behaviour and the fact it was posted onto social media.
“I am sorry for the offense I have rightly caused and to the embarrassment I have brought to Haas F1 Team.
“I have to hold myself to a higher standard as a Formula 1 driver and I acknowledge I have let myself and many people down.
“I promise I will learn from this.”
Mazepin was confirmed alongside Mick Schumacher at the American squad for 2021 last week but later drew criticism for his defensive driving in F2, after being penalised twice for pushing drivers off the grid in the feature race.
Those incidents led Haas boss Guenther Steiner to admit the team will have to work with the 21-year-old to improve his behaviour.
“I’ve seen the F2 race, he got the penalty,” he said. “I think it’s part of learning and for sure we have got our work cut out, I guess, I think I’m right there.
“We need to learn from this and see that these mistakes are not done,” he added.
After these controversies and others which have resurfaced, many are calling for Haas to reconsider Mazepin.
Given the strong financial backing he will bring, that is unlikely to happen, although Mazepin denies he is simply a ‘pay driver’
“Is it a shame that many people associate my success with my father’s wealth?” he is quoted as telling Russian broadcaster RBK.
“Why should I be offended to read that my father is a successful, intelligent, purposeful person? Of course, I am not offended.
“There is some frustration that people associate my success with my father’s money, but I’m confident in myself.
“I see my results. And I don’t think much about these sorts of discussions. I’ll just do my job.”