Nikita Mazepin apologises over video, Haas to deal with matter internally

The Haas F1 Team has responded to a video posted to Nikita Mazepin’s social media account that appears to show a woman being groped, describing it as ‘abhorrent’ and saying it will deal with the matter internally.

In the video posted to Mazepin’s Instagram Stories account, a person is seen reaching over to a female passenger and groping her.. Mazepin himself is not identified in the video.

The post, which has seen been taken down, drew strong ire on social media, leading to Haas to release a statement condemning the post. 

“Haas F1 Team does not condone the behavior of Nikita Mazepin in the video recently posted on his social media. Additionally, the very fact that the video was posted on social media is also abhorrent to Haas F1 Team

“The matter is being dealt with internally and no further comment shall be made at this time.”

The incident brings fresh attention to the Russian racer, who only last week was announced to be joining joining Haas for the 2021 F1 season alongside newly crowned F2 champion Mick Schumacher only last week.

The 21-year old has subsequently responded on social media with an apology, saying his actions are not befitting of a 

“I would like to apologise for my recent actions both in terms of my own inappropriate behaviour and the fact that it was posted onto social media, I am sorry for the offense I have rightly caused and to the embarrassment i have brought to the Haas F1 Team. I have to hold myself to a higher standard as a Formula 1 driver and I acknowledge I have let myself and many people down. I promise I will learn from this.”

Mazepin progresses to F1 after two seasons competing in Formula 2, his two victories with the Hitech Grand Prix team earning him two victories and six podiums en route to sixth in the overall standings.