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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – MARCH 12: Mick Schumacher of Germany and Haas F1 and Nikita Mazepin of Russia and Haas F1 look on from the grid during Day One of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 12, 2021 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images)
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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – MARCH 12: Mick Schumacher of Germany and Haas F1 and Nikita Mazepin of Russia and Haas F1 look on from the grid during Day One of F1 Testing at Bahrain International Circuit on March 12, 2021 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Joe Portlock/Getty Images)
For the 2021 F1 season, Haas went with Mick Schumacher and Nikita Mazepin for their driver lineup. Although the pair are in their rookie season, they already found themselves in confrontations on a few occasions.
Despite the tension between them, Mazepin made a gesture during the ongoing Turkish Grand Prix weekend. However, Schumacher is yet to deliver a response to the Russian’s invitation.
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Nikita Mazepin extended an invitation to Mick Schumacher in Turkey
During this season, Mazepin and Schumacher often competed with each other at the back of the grid. However, that didn’t stop them from bringing up their intensity as they battled each other to finish ahead.
This led them to face a few flashpoints. The most intense of them occurred in the Azerbaijan Grand Prix. Mazepin attempted to block Schumacher on the final straight on the last lap, drawing the ire of Schumacher, who took to the radio to express his displeasure.
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BAHRAIN, BAHRAIN – MARCH 28: Mick Schumacher of Germany and Haas F1 and Nikita Mazepin of Russia and Haas F1 stand on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix of Bahrain at Bahrain International Circuit on March 28, 2021 in Bahrain, Bahrain. (Photo by Dan Istitene – Formula 1/Formula 1 via Getty Images)
Although they faced such moments, their relationship off the track seems far different. In fact, Mazepin invited Schumacher to visit his home in Sochi, a gesture which Haas F1 team principal Guenther Steiner appreciated. Steiner said, “I think it’s a nice gesture and I know he has some big boy’s toys there.”
However, the Russian revealed he awaits his German teammate’s response to his invitation. He said, “We need to clarify that, because I gave the invitation verbally and I haven’t received confirmation yet. I will have to clarify that.”
READ MORE: Who Is Nikita Mazepin’s Billionaire Father – Dmitry Mazepin?
Meanwhile, Schumacher extended an invitation to Daniel Ricciardo
While Mazepin waits for Schumacher’s response to his invitation, the latter invited McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo to visit the Schumacher family ranch in Texas. He said, “If he wants to come by, he can.”
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Formula One F1 – Austrian Grand Prix – Red Bull Ring, Spielberg, Styria, Austria – July 1, 2021 Haas’ Mick Schumacher during the press conference FIA/Handout via REUTERS
While their fractious relationship may take a turn for the better, their focus looks likely to remain on their on-track performance. Haas once again occupied P19 and P20 in both practice sessions earlier today, with Schumacher finishing ahead of Mazepin.
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