Mazepin suggests Schumacher needs "protection" after Uncle Ralf's outburst

Nikita Mazepin has hit back at comments from Ralf Schumacher following the Dutch Grand Prix and suggested his Haas team-mate Mick Schumacher "needs protection".

The relationship between the rookie duo has soured drastically since the summer break in the wake of a pair of flashpoint events at the Dutch Grand Prix.

Mazepin's late block on Schumacher on the start-finish straight that damaged the latter's front wing sparked post-race anger between the pair, although the Russian is adamant he acted within the FIA sporting code.

Reacting furiously, former Williams and Toyota driver and uncle to Mick, Ralf then told Sky Deutschland: “Mick was in a perfect position to overtake when Mazepin twitched and pulled over and even broke Mick’s front wing in the process.

“Such actions at these high speeds are life-threatening. With actions like this, Nikita has no place in Formula 1.

“The risks he is taking do not go with his talent. He seems overwhelmed and frustrated.

“Guenther Steiner has to intervene now and urgently. Even if the money is necessary, that cannot be the price for endangering your team.”

Faced with these comments ahead of the Monza weekend, Mazepin suggested the outburst demonstrates his Haas team-mate needs protecting.

“There is a very interesting phrase regarding opinions in the English language to do with that," he said.

"To me, I obviously respect opinions because everyone has got them but it just seems like he is obviously protecting his family.

“What can I say? If his family needs protection in Formula 1 then I am more than happy to listen to those things.”

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