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The Haas Formula 1 team has issued a statement “to reaffirm” Nikita Mazepin remains part of its 2021 driver line-up, and insisting the recent controversy over Mazepin’s conduct has now been “dealt with internally”.
The statement follows recent speculation over whether the Formula 2 graduate might lose his drive as a result of what the team called the “abhorrent” act of sharing a video on Instagram showing behaviour it said it did not condone.
That speculation was partly based on conclusions drawn from changes to social media biographies, but also came amid a groundswell of support on social media for a campaign calling for Mazepin to lose his F1 seat.
The video that triggered the controversy video was a first-person recording of Mazepin reaching towards a female passenger in the back seat of a car and touching her breast – continuing to do so despite her protests.
“Haas F1 Team would like to reaffirm that Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher will form its driver line-up for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship,” said today’s team statement.
“As per the team’s previous statement regarding the actions of Nikita Mazepin (December 9) – this matter has now been dealt with internally and no further comment shall be made.”
The FIA and F1 had previously issued a statement supporting the way the Haas team has dealt with the situation and indicating that it was satisfied it was being adequately handled.
