Toto Wolff, F1 representative of Mercedes, admits that Nikita Mazepin is “shaking” for being forced out of F1 and claims that Russian Mazepin is a suitable driver for F1.
The Haas F1 Team canceled the contract with Russian sponsor Uralkali on Saturday, March 5th. Nikita Mazepin’s seat was secured by Uralkali, whose father’s father, Dmitry Mazepin, owns a majority stake, so Mazepin’s driver contract was automatically terminated.
Disappointed, Nikita Mazepin expressed dissatisfaction with the Haas F1 Team’s decision on social media. Mazepin himself said he intended to sign the FIA’s “Driver Commitment” document, which is a measure against Russia, and claimed that “the process was not carried out in this one-sided step.”
Nikita Mazepin has been in the test since the Mercedes F1 in 2019, and Toto Wolff, who is familiar with him, is looking at both sides of the story.
“As for Nikita himself, he’s a man worth attending F1 and he’s upset because he can drive,” he told Bloomberg TV.
“Some sports leagues have decided to allow Russian athletes to compete, while others are focusing on denying their access.”
“I think it’s difficult for an athlete, but by supporting decisive sanctions, you can understand why.”
While the FIA (International Automobile Federation) has responded to the dispute between Russia and Ukraine by restricting Russian licensed drivers from participating in international competitions, F1 itself will be in Sochi this year. F1 Russia GP contract was canceled and the Grand Prix was abolished.
Toto Wolff upheld F1’s decision not to race in Russia and explained why he considers the current conflict to be significant.
“I’m an Austrian. Vienna is just 400km from Ukraine. Who would think another war would happen in Europe?” Toto Wolff said.
“F1 and sports seem so small in that context that we decided not to race in Sochi. I think F1 has made a solid statement like many other industries in the world.”
“This is an overwhelming topic today, and I think we can look back at all the little hassles in sports that are far more important than this.”
“There are Ukrainians and Russians on the team. For everyone with a family, it’s certainly not an easy task.”
“It’s been a tough time now, and from a personal point of view, I grew up in Vienna with my parents from Slavic, so I feel that what’s happening is even closer to my heart.”
Category: Category: F1 / Mercedes / Haas / Nikita Mazepin
