“I have to hold myself to a higher standard as a Formula 1 driver” – Nikita Mazepin of Haas has issued a statement after a video involving him was found on social media.
The video in question has Nikita Mazepin inappropriately grabbing his friend’s chest. The friend is a model and goes by the name of Andrea D’lVal. Shortly after this went viral, Haas issued a strong-worded statement on Mazepin’s actions, adding that an internal inquiry is on.
“Haas F1 Team does not condone the behavior 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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Nikita Mazepin apologizes; D’lVal comes to his defense
The Russian driver has apologized for his behavior and promised to correct it. Formula 1 is a sport followed globally and it has set really high standards for itself. It was a shameful moment, but here’s hoping we never see something like this ever again, by any driver.
“I would like to apologize for my recent actions both in terms of my own inappropriate behavior and the fact that it was posted on social media. And I am sorry for the offense I have rightly caused and for 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.”
His friend Andrea D’lVal also clarified Mazepin is a dear friend, and he meant it as a joke. Had she not come up with this explanation, things could have much worse for the current F1 driver.
“Hi guys, I just want to let you know Nikita and I have been good friends for a long time and nothing from that video was serious at all!”
WATCH: Video of Nikita Mazepin inappropriately touching his friend Andrea D’lVal
