Haas rookie Nikita Mazepin is days away from making his big F1 debut, and yet the prospect still appears "surreal" in the young Russian's mind.
Mazepin steps up to the big time after finishing fifth in last year's FIA Formula 2 Championship and with the unwavering support of his father's Uralkali chemical which has partnered with Haas as the US outfit's title sponsor.
The 22-year-old is eager to put behind him the controversy last year that sparked a wave of criticism on social media, but also his public image as a billionaire's son and pay driver, and ultimately prove that he is worthy of racing among motorsport's elite.
With lights out just a few days away, the reality of lining up on the grid in Bahrain has yet to hit the Haas charger.
"It hasn’t sunk in yet," he said. "Obviously, I’m aware it’s just literally a few days away now until the lights go out and the first race is underway.
"It’s pretty surreal because the waiting time has been very long. Hopefully everything will go smoothly, and I believe that I’m ready, so I’ve got nothing to be hesitant about."
Mazepin has undergone a thorough preparation for F1 that started several years ago with testing outings with Force India at the time and later on with Mercedes.
But sharing the spotlight with F1's big stars on race day is an experience that can't be simulated.
"To be with these big names in Formula 1, to be sharing the same starting grid, is very humbling and very surreal," he added.
"I’ve watched these guys race on TV and I’ve looked up to their achievements since I was very young.
"I’m a big fan of the sport itself, every Sunday I used to sit down in front of the TV and watch it. To be together with them is humbling, and hopefully racing with the best I can also learn as much as possible."
Formula 1's record 23-race schedule that will kick off this week and conclude in December will offer drivers few moments of respite. But Mazepin will start his campaign with an insatiable appetite for racing.
"I’m aware that the intensity is very high, it’s the busiest schedule that there’s ever been planned in Formula 1.
"I’m aware it’s going to be very difficult to keep the focus and keep in good shape throughout the whole year.
"But at this exact time, I’m so hungry for racing, and to just get started – nothing else is in my head apart from those positive thoughts."
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