Nikita Mazepin clarifies what happened in the nightclub after video going online, as Guenther Steiner adds his view and more.
With COVID-19 still very much a factor in the motorsport world, specifically within F1, a few drivers partying in a nightclub in Mexico caused a bit of a media frenzy. Videos surfaced online with drivers George Russell and Mazepin partying without masks and no social distancing.
Considering the safety restrictions that are to be followed by those in the paddock, drivers, staff, media, and fans alike, it caused some online controversy. Mores o with Mazepin as videos of him arguing in the club and allegedly being kicked out were also posted online.
Mazepin was asked to clarify in Brazil press conference and he readily shut the rumors circulating about the intensity of the fight at the club, making clear that it was less of a fight than what it looks like and that the night continued normally.
“The situation from my side is very clear and definitely nobody was kicked out,” said Mazepin. “I was upset because one of my engineers was leaving, so I invited everybody from the team to see me and one of the members wasn’t let in, unfortunately. I cleared it up. It took about three, four minutes and everybody was in and actually it was a very good party. So we stayed for a few hours.”
Haas team principal Steiner was also asked by media about the club situation in Mexico with his driver and reconfirmed what Mazepin said. “No [I didn’t watched it but] I was made aware of this video, I think it was more like an argument with one of the security guys than a fight because a fight normally when we fight in South Tyrol it looks differen just to let you know,” he said to media including FormulaRapida.net.
“So this was more like a verbal argument about something. I haven’t spoke with him yet because I haven’t seen him but I think this was more like he couldn’t get access somewhere and just tried to make his point. Steiner also commented on how the drivers are always in the limelight with their every move filmed, posted, and discussed online, especially with Mazepin.
“It’s like first of all, everything what he’s done, whoever does it, it’s immediately filmed from somebody,” said Steiner. “Nikita, I think he has got a reputation and it’s even played up I would say. So it isn’t made any easier for him.
The lack of COVID-19 safety measures, masks and social distancing, seen in the videos was also a very big topic of discussion especially considering how serious the measures are taken in F1. What drivers can and cannot do is still a gray area and Steiner reflects that when asked whether what Mazepin was doing was permitted.
“I think so,” said Mazepin. “It’s difficult with the Covid how it is now to decide what is right and what is wrong. But this goes beyond motorsport and what we should be talking here, in my opinion. Everyone’s got an opinion about it and is entitled to it. I think at some stage we just need to try to live a normal life, if people are vaccinated.
“And he is vaccinated, by the way. The fairness of the justification of these actions for drivers is another gray area while others are restricted. “I don’t know. I cannot answer that, fair or not fair, I don’t want to be a judge,” summed up Steiner.
The story was written by Selena Aburas
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