Mazepin - "Life's a big learning curve" after troubled start in F1

Nikita Mazepin has insisted "life's a big learning curve" as he continues to build from the troubles that affected the early stages of his rookie F1 season.

Russian driver Mazepin entered the sport under a social media cloud for off-track misdemeanours whilst mistakes on track led to further online ridicule.

The Haas driver has, however, started to put his troubles behind him as he and his team make light of the 'Maze-spin' nickname given to him by fans through social media videos, allowing Mazepin to portray a more endearing personality.

Asked how he was able to shift his mindset and find confidence despite the difficult start to life in F1, Mazepin told GPFans Global: "I went through some difficult times, some learning times.

"I think mental health is an important thing. There are people out there who are struggling much more than me, so I cannot really complain.

"At the end of the day, when I turn up to a race track in Bahrain, everything is new to me.

"I think the confidence that you're referring to is more to do with me not being confident in driving that very fast new car that I've only had one and a half days of testing in.

"Obviously, it's one thing testing. The other thing is 19 very fast drivers around at a very high speed. Life's a big learning curve. I'm just getting better in everything I do, and try to improve as the day goes on."

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