Five hours before the start of this Sunday’s race at the Yas Marina circuit , Haas announced that Nikita Mazepin will not participate after failing the last test he underwent.
” Uralkali Haas F1 Team driver Nikita Mazepin has tested positive for COVID-19 at Yas Marina Circuit ahead of Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,” the Haas statement said.
“Therefore, the team regrets to announce that Nikita will not be able to participate in the race.”
“Nikita is doing well physically, having been asymptomatic, but will now self-isolate and abide by the guidance of the relevant public health authorities, with safety being the top priority for all parties concerned.”
“The Uralkali Haas F1 Team wishes Nikita all the best and we look forward to his return to the track in early 2022 for pre-season testing.”
Haas will not be able to replace Mazepin for the race as the regulations prevent it, so Mick Schumacher will be the sole representative of the team in Abu Dhabi.
“There will be no substitute in accordance with article 31.1 of the 2021 FIA Sporting Regulations , which prohibits any driver from starting a race in which he has not participated in at least one practice session,” the F1 statement said.
“The procedures put in place by the FIA and Formula 1 will ensure there is no further impact on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.”
Mazepin posted a post on Instagram saying he was “feeling totally fine” after testing positive, and regretted not being able to run on Sunday.
“I wish all my teammates a fantastic end to the season and I send you all my thanks and love for your support,” said Mazepin.
Mazepin is the second Formula 1 driver to contract COVID-19 this season. Kimi Raikkonen tested positive during the Dutch Grand Prix weekend, so he was unable to participate in qualifying or the race.
This brings to an end Mazepin’s first season in F1, in which his best result was 14th at the Azerbaijan GP.
Reviewing his first season in F1 at a news conference on Saturday, Mazepin said he would rate his performance 4/5.
“I guess a four for hanging on, because this year has been really tough in some ways,” Mazepin said.
“Let’s say probably a three for adaptation, because that hasn’t been my strong point, and I keep getting better at it.”
(Click on this link or scroll through the images to see photos of Nikita Mazepin at the 2021 F1 Abu Dhabi GP)
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Photo By: Andy Hone/Motorsport Images
