Young Russian Nikita Mazepin graduates into the FIA European Formula 3 championship in 2016 with Hitech GP. 

Mazepin arrives in FIA F3 after one year in single seaters in Formula Renault 2.0 NEC, finishing 12th in the championship with Josef Kaufmann Racing and some cameo appearances in Eurocup. His highlight of the season was a single podium at the Red Bull Ring.

His inexperience does not afraid the Russian drivers as he states:

“This season was a good first year for me in cars, I had some good results – it was great to be on the podium at the Red Bull Ring – and learnt a lot. Now, I really am looking forward to stepping up into F3 with the guys at Hitech GP.”

Having to test right after the Formula Renault season ended in Formula 3, Mazepin left a good impression to Hitech GP Team Manager David Hayle:

“Moving up to F3 is obviously a step up from what he has done so far, but from the job he has done in testing with us I am confident in Nikita’s ability to do us proud next season in FIA F3.” 

If this season will mostly be a learning season for the Russian and the new team, he will have the support of George Russell as a teammate, the British driver competing his second season in the series.