Nikita Mazepin is gearing up alongside teammate Mick Schumacher to make his official Formula One debut on March 28 in Bahrain.
The 21-year-old continues to receive a hell of a lot of flack online around a video posted to his personal Instagram page where fans alleged mis-behaviour with one of his female friends.
While the team and Mazepin himself both jumped to address the video back in January, spectators remain angry that Mazepin retained his seat for the upcoming season.
There has been speculation in recent weeks as the Haas team continues to post regularly about fan-favourite Mick Schumacher, with a sparing presence of Mazepin dotted throughout social.
Most recently Guenther Steiner admitted that the reaction on social media remains strong and that this reflects what the team has chosen to publish, but that he believes the young driver has learned from his stint in the headlines for all the wrong reasons.
Speaking to RACER, Steiner said; “He took immediate responsibility for his actions. He apologized.
“He’s learned from this experience. He’s undoubtedly been chastened by it.
“And he’ll apply that moving forward in his Formula 1 career. The response on social media towards him is still strong. We’re naturally aware of that via our team posts.
“While respecting that people are entitled to voice their opinions, no matter how vigorous, as a team, we feel we have provided Nikita with the best environment to learn from this.”
