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Haas F1 team representative Gunter Steiner defends the team’s decision to hire Nikita Mazepinn, a well-funded “paid driver” in 2021. He claimed there were several equally talented paid drivers in F1, even today.
Nikita Mazepin is the son of Russian billionaire Dmitry Mazepin, and the father of a major shareholder and president of the Russian fertilizer company Urarikari has paved the way for his son’s motorsports.
However, Nikita Mazepin took advantage of his father’s generous support to win two main races and multiple podiums in FIA-F2 this season, with an F1 super license before the final race of the weekend. It occupies the third place in the ranking that can be obtained directly.
Gunter Steiner said that Nikita Mazepin’s abilities are real, citing the stories of various people on the current F1 grid and the late Niki Lauda, saying that talented drivers are not new to F1. ..
“There are a lot of drivers coming to F1 thanks to financial support,” said Gunter Steiner.
“There are very good drivers in F1 who brought sponsors early in their careers. The first to call him is the Czech (Sergio Pérez). The Czech came to F1 and said: ‘He’s a paid driver.’ They told me. Take a look. Look at the Czech Republic now. He’s finishing on the podium. He’s doing a great job. “
“George Russell is one of the best drivers for me, but I wouldn’t be anywhere without the help of Mercedes.”
“There are a lot of those drivers. Lance Stroll was on the podium. If they perform well in F2 and have a sponsor, it is the perfect solution.”
Gunter Steiner also mentioned Niki Lauda, who secured an F1 seat for the 1973 season on the condition that he would bring a dowry to BRM.
“When I spoke to Niki a long time ago, she said, ‘Thanks to the bank that sponsored me, I was able to get into F1 and go buy a seat.’
“I think he was BRM at the time, and he was a three-time world champion.”
Regardless of the level of Nikita Mazepin’s dowry, Gunter Steiner said Mazepin’s results confirmed the decision to promote him to F1.
“I followed him on how he did throughout the season,” Gunter Steiner said.
“I’m sure he got off to a tough start, but without that tough start he would have been fighting for the championship.”
“That’s what I see. I can’t see anymore. The results are always revealing.”
Category: F1 / Haas / Nikita Mazepin
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