Haas confirm Mazepin for 2021 after ‘inappropiate’ video inquiry

The Haas Formula One team confirmed on Wednesday that Russian driver Nikita Mazepin would drive for them next season after concluding an internal investigation into his recent conduct in an online video.

Mazepin signed a “multi-year” deal with Haas at the start of December after a successful season in Formula Two.

He will line up alongside Mick Schumacher, the son of the seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, in an all-rooky partnership. 

Shortly after the announcement, a video surfaced on the Russian’s Instagram account of him making a seemingly unsolicited attempt to touch a woman’s breast.

Haas were quick to condemn the 23-second video clip, shot by a front-seat passenger in a moving car with Mazepin and the woman in the back seat and opened an internal inquiry which they now say has ended. 

“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,” the team statement read.

“As per the team’s previous statement regarding the actions of Nikita Mazepin (9 December) – this matter has now been dealt with internally and no further comment shall be made.”

The 21-year-old son of billionaire Dmitry Mazepin apologised for his “inappropriate” behavior. 

“I admit that I failed in my duties to myself and to a lot of people. I promise to learn from this,” he said.