Motorsports: ‘Shame’ – Formula One erupts when billionaire Nikita Mazepin’s son survives ‘loathsome’ act against model

Haas’ Formula One team confirmed on Wednesday that Russian driver Nikita Mazepin would be driving for them next season after concluding an internal investigation into his recent conduct in an online video.

Mazepin signed a “multi-year” contract with Haas in early December after a successful season in Formula Two.

He will line up alongside Mick Schumacher, the son of seven-time world champion Michael Schumacher, in a rookie association.

Shortly after the announcement, a video appeared on the Russian’s Instagram account of him making a seemingly unsolicited attempt to touch a woman’s breast.

Haas was quick to condemn the 23-second video clip, filmed by a front seat passenger in a moving car with Mazepin and the woman in the back seat, and opened an internal investigation that they now say has ended.

“Haas F1 Team would like to reaffirm that Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher will form their driver line-up for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship,” the team statement read.

“According to the team’s previous statement regarding Nikita Mazepin’s actions (December 9), this matter has now been dealt with internally and no further comment will be made.”

The 21-year-old son of billionaire Dmitry Mazepin has apologized for his “inappropriate” behavior.

“I admit that I failed in my duties with myself and with many people. I promise to learn from this,” he said.

But his survival has met with more anger from the F1 community.

WTF1 host Matt Gallagher tweeted: “I have never been so disappointed in the sport I really love. What a disgrace.”