Nikita Mazepin came out today in response to the ongoing attack launched in his direction since a video incident back in December.
The 21-year-old published a video online with a female friend that sent Formula One fans hunting in his direction.
The Russian driver apologised fairly quickly after the reaction to the video went viral online, and even incited a comment from the team themselves.
Even after such apologies were publicised, the F1 community and further afield continued to call for his removal from the Haas team ahead of the new season – however, the team has continued to stick by the young rookie driver.
As the pre-season testing approaches, it’s expected that the ongoing slew of angry comments is likely to continue – which is why the team continues to post much more Schumacher content than Mazepin.
So, once again, he has come forward and released a lengthy statement regarding that video, and what he’s learned since the less than kind reaction online.
He said; “How I reflect on my actions is pretty clear, I’m not proud of it, I didn’t behave as I meant to behave, being in Formula 1 the transition phase of realising what I have achieved has been very short and I didn’t adapt to it as quick as I should have.
“I’ve taken responsibility for it and I’m ready to keep doing so.
“We as human beings have to show a certain behaviour towards each other to live in a calm, humanitarian world, so I’m confident I will be one of those humans from now on.
“In regards to what I’ve learnt is quite clear, first of all with the behaviour that meant to bring with yourself.
“Second, how you are meant to act on social media and off social media.”
Mazepin will stand alongside fellow rookie teammate, Mick Schumacher, on March 12 to launch the team’s 2021 contender, ahead of taking to the track in Bahrain for pre-season testing.
