Nikita Mazepin "experiment" made Haas "f***ing difficult to drive"

Mazepin, Haas, Azerbaijan — Photo: © LAT Images

Azerbaijan Grand Prix

Mazepin "experiment" made Haas "f***ing difficult to drive"

Mazepin suffered from brake issues for the duration of the race in Baku

Ewan Gale

Monday 7 June 2021 13:40

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Nikita Mazepin labelled his Haas "f***ing difficult to drive" after suffering from brake issues throughout the Azerbaijan Grand Prix.

The Russian's brakes overheated from the start in Baku, with the rookie forced to adapt his in-car settings and driving style to nurse home the VF-21.

The 22-year-old was a lap down until the safety car was deployed for Lance Stroll's heavy accident, primarily as Mazepin had lost around 40 seconds after shooting down the turn four escape road.

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Mazepin eventually finished 14th after losing out to team-mate Mick Schumacher in a feisty duel on the run-up to the line.

With regard to his brake issue, Mazepin said: "Unfortunately, from the beginning of the race, I had to manage my brakes because they were overheating.

"We tried to experiment with changing the brake bias which did go forward but was easier to lock up.

"I wasn't a big fan of the change but I had to try it because that's what the team wanted and then that thing happened.

"I was quite fortunate to avoid contact because it was under control but it was f***ing difficult to drive because the brakes were overheating. Other guys are able to manage it properly and we are unfortunately not at the moment."

Haas ahead of Williams after "building"

Haas' result furthered Mazepin and Schumacher's progression in their debut seasons whilst also promoting the team ahead of Williams to ninth in the constructors' championship by virtue of achieving a better finishing position across the season.

"We are building, definitely, and we can expect more of that in the coming weekends I hope," added Mazepin.

"Monaco and Baku are the crazy races and I think we managed them pretty well.

"That's a little gremlin out of the way but now it is the foundation work again and I think you can expect less surprises [in France], but it will be interesting to see what is going on."