Haas stand by Nikita Mazepin as recent statement published by them on social media confirms the Russian driver for 2021 amidst controversy.
Nikita Mazepin was on the verge of getting sacked by Haas even before his first race in Formula 1, as the pressure posed by the fans was reportedly immense for them to take this step and sacrifice the financial boost Mazepin was bringing from his family inheritance.
Earlier this month, Mazepin posted a video on his social media account, where he allegedly molested a woman by groping her. Though the footage was later deleted.
Mazepin apologised and the woman vouched for him as a close friend and that their conduct was just fooling around, it still drew considerable criticism.
Following the event, in a recent statement by Haas, after their promised internal investigation, the Formula 1 team has disappointed many and told that the decided duo of Mick Schumacher and Mazepin will be driving Haas for 2021.
“Haas F1 Team would like to reaffirm that Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher will form its driver lineup for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship.” Haas team statement.
Team Statement: pic.twitter.com/hRpoTAaanM
— Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) December 23, 2020
Nikita Mazepin already the most hated in F1
The Russian driver has been the centre of mighty criticism by the fans, as this event is not a standalone incident speaking against him, but there have been several past occurrences which have made fans dislike him even before his first race.
In 2016, Mazepin after competing in a Formula 3 race, apparently punched Callum Ilott, leaving the latter with a black eye. This year, after an F2 race he got a penalty for recklessly driving the car in the pitlane and hitting P2 board, which could have hurt Yuki Tsunoda.
The penalty, in the end, separated him by 1 point from a ban. So, Mazepin will certainly not be entering into F1 with a likeable image.
