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Steiner Compares Nikita Mazepin to F1 Legend Amid Backlash over Haas Signing

Published 12/01/2020, 11:45 PM EST

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Cash-strapped Haas recently gave one of their racing seats for the 2021 season to Nikita Mazepin. However, that decision is facing a lot of criticism from the Formula 1 community, the reason behind that being his father, Dmitry Mazepin. Hence, the Russian driver is now carrying a label of ‘pay driver.’

Steiner compares Mazepin with successful F1 drivers

Haas Team Principal Guenther Steiner is arguing that similar ‘pay drivers’ currently exist in F1 already. He thinks that a lot of successful drivers start with some sort of financial backing. Not shying away from naming and shaming them, he said

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“There are very good drivers in F1 who in the beginning brought a sponsor.

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“The first one to call is Checo [Sergio Perez]. Checo came to F1 and it was, ‘He’s a pay driver.’ Look at Checo now, he finished on the podium, he’s doing a good job.

“George Russell for me is one of the best drivers, but without the help of Mercedes, he wouldn’t be anywhere.”

via Reuters

The most notable example in F1 history, perhaps, is that of Niki Lauda. The late Austrian is among the pantheons of great drivers.

“When I spoke with Niki a long time ago he said, ‘I made it into F1 thanks to a bank which sponsored me, so I could go and buy a drive’.

“I think it was BRM at the time. And he was three-times world champion.”

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But was Haas right in hiring Nikita Mazepin?

In selfish terms, Haas made the decision that was in their best interests. From their point of view, they are correct. However, comparing his situation to Niki Lauda and George Russell is redundant. George Russell, like Lewis Hamilton, earned his financial backing through his sheer driving skills.

via Getty

Comparing him to the legendary Niki Lauda is even worse. Born into a wealthy family, his father did not support his racing career. Hence, he had to finance his career on his own means. Yes, he bought his seat, but the liability was solely on him. He had to perform to pay back the loan from his own pockets.

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Needless to say, the FIA must look for ways to get only the most talented drivers to the F1 grid.

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Written by:

Bharat Aggarwal

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Bharat Aggarwal is a sports analyst for EssentiallySports, covering Formula 1 and NBA. A Delhi University graduate, Bharat has multi-year experience in sports writing, having closely worked with the content strategy aspect as well. Bharat Aggarwal supports Manchester United, Lewis Hamilton, Cristiano Ronaldo, Rafael Nadal, Dirk Nowitzki, Sachin Tendulkar, Ayrton Senna, Kristaps Porzingis, and Dallas Mavericks.
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