F1 to discuss responsibilities with drivers after Nikita Mazepin controversy

Formula 1

F1 to discuss responsibilities with drivers after Mazepin controversy

F1 and Haas have been criticised for their handling of last year's incident

Ian Parkes & Ewan Gale

Sunday 7 February 2021 12:44

Formula 1 CEO Stefano Domenicali has called for a meeting with the sport's drivers to remind them of their personal responsibilities as "role models" following the Nikita Mazepin controversy.

F1 and Haas have faced criticism for their apparent inaction after Mazepin posted a social media video of himself groping a woman shortly after he was confirmed as a driver with the team in December last year.

Domenicali has condemned the incident but acknowledged Mazepin's apology and revealed his plans to educate the whole grid as to their responsibilities.

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"It was pretty clear that what he did was not acceptable," said Domenicali. "Very straight forward. But I think that he was apologetic as a reaction to what he did.

"We need to make sure that the drivers understand that we cannot joke about certain things. Not possible. They are too important to not understand they are role models, and that they have to embrace.

"That is something we are going to discuss together, not only with him, at the appropriate time."

Mazepin's actions came in the midst of the sport's #WeRaceAsOne campaign centred around defeating the issue of diversity and promoting inclusivity for all in F1.

Domenicali suggested this season's field is the strongest in F1 history and that the chance for the talent to promote the sport in a positive light cannot be lost.

"I have sent a letter out to all the drivers, also to the president of their association [the GPDA] Alex Wurz, because I want to share with them how important it is that they understand their value of being a positive ambassador of Formula 1.

"Not only talking about the sport itself but also on the points of value on which Formula 1 is really focused, which is the We Race As One project, diversity, sustainability.

"I invited them for a meeting that we need to have immediately, probably at Bahrain if possible, to really discuss this opportunity.

"We have never had so many fantastic drivers. Young, talented, very strong. We can not lose the opportunity of making them understand they are important drivers and they have a big responsibility because they are the face of the sport.

"They have to understand that their behaviour, their words and lead-by-example approach is what is expected."