F1 News: Nikita Mazepin Responds To Abuse Online After Russian Sponsor Removed From Haas

As the American-owned F1 team Haas removes its Russian sponsorship Uralkali from its car after Russia attacked Ukraine, eyes have no turned to the future of Nikita Mazepin and his future with the team. Mazepin has now responded to the abuse and questions that are being fired at him, with this coming less than a day after The Grand Tour’s Jeremy Clarkson called him a “f*****g r****d” in front of his millions of Twitter followers.

It’s now been confirmed that Formula 1 has cancelled the Russian GP after countless drivers revealed their disinterest in driving in Russia. Mazepin received complaints however, after his statement wasn’t as empathetic.

He said:

“I’m not struggling at all, because I’ve always been a big supporter of sports without politics. I’m just very happy to be in Barcelona and I hope these three days are longer because it’s a nice experience.”

Jeremy Clarkson quickly took to Twitter to blast the driver:

“Nikita Mazepin. You f*****g r****d. Go and race in Russia on your own. You’d still lose.”

Fans of the Clarkson’s Farm presenter were quick to agree with the sentiment, but disagreed with the language used. But now Mazepin himself has responded to the uproar currently taking over F1 social media.

He wrote the following to his fans on Twitter:

“To my fans and followers – it’s a difficult time and I am not in control over a lot of what is being said and done. I’m choosing to focus on what I CAN control by working hard and doing my best for my @HaasF1Team. My deepest thanks for your understanding and support.”

To my fans and followers – it's a difficult time and I am not in control over a lot of what is being said and done. I'm choosing to focus on what I CAN control by working hard and doing my best for my @HaasF1Team . My deepest thanks for your understanding and support. 🙏

— Nikita Mazepin (@nikita_mazepin) February 25, 2022

Gaining over 1,200 replies in two hours, Mazepin was flooded with questions.

One commented said: “At least say you don’t want this war. But you won’t even say that?”

A second added: “You’re absolutely in control of what you say. Vettel doesn’t suffer from such an issue…”

However, a third played devil’s advocate. “This a very mature statement from Nikita. Saying he is against the war will put him and his family in danger and saying he is with the war will make him enemy of all his fans and tarnish his career. I applaud his focus. Through and prayers with the mighty Ukrainian people.”

Mazepin’s future with Haas is currently in question, so make sure to check back as we update you every step of the way.