FIA insist Nikita Mazepin 'bad boy' reputation "not a concern"

Nikita Mazepin

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FIA insist Mazepin 'bad boy' reputation "not a concern"

Haas driver has collected six points on his licence

Ian Parkes

Saturday 2 October 2021 11:00

FIA race director Michael Masi insists Nikita Mazepin should not be singled out as F1's 'bad boy' this season.

On home soil in Russia on Sunday, Mazepin was shown the black-and-white flag for unsportsmanlike behaviour for blocking AlphaTauri's Yuki Tsunoda.

It was the latest act of on-track indiscipline from the 21-year-old that has seen him hit with four separate penalties in his rookie season with Haas, amassing six points on his licence.

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In Italy, after being involved in numerous incidents with team-mate Mick Schumacher this year, Mazepin was finally handed a five-second time penalty and collected a point for causing a collision.

A five-second penalty and a point was given for ignoring blue flags in Portugal; also a point and a three-place grid drop for impeding Lando Norris in Spain, and then a 10-second penalty and three points for not respecting yellow flags in Austria.

Asked whether it was a concern Mazepin had received more reprimands and been to see the stewards on more occasions than he had raced this season, Masi replied: “He’s probably had a few stewards visits but nothing…

"I think if you went through it and had a look at it all, there are probably other drivers that are up there or more, so I wouldn’t suggest there is anything untoward or of concern.

"Obviously, we look at it, investigate each incident on its own merits. If it is worth investigating then the stewards have a look at it based on the evidence that is before them, then deem if a penalty is or isn’t necessary.”

Masi has made clear, however, the incident with Tsunoda is one the FIA seriously frown upon.

“Going through turn 12, it was just the move that he came across so late on Yuki who was overtaking with DRS," added Masi.

"It is one of the things we have said a few times that we will issue black and whites for. That it is unsportsmanlike and not something we will tolerate.”

Suggested to Masi an informal chat was required as Mazepin's aggressive driving style is one a number of drivers have an issue with, he replied: "We judge incidents based on what occurred.

"Someone’s particular driving style? I would suggest we’ve probably got 20 different driving styles out there.”

Assessing Masi's remarks, Sergio Perez has been penalised more often this season, collecting seven points from four incidents.

Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel and Williams' Nicholas Latifi have also amassed six points but from three and two infringements respectively.

Check out all the points and incidents for all 20 drivers here.