Mazepin suggests father could turn an F1 team 'into gold'

Nikita Mazepin believes the business skills of his father, Dmitry Mazepin, would be well applied in F1 given the Belarusian-Russian billionaire's ability to turn his ventures into gold.

Mazepin Sr. has lavishly supported his son's run up the motorsport ladder that led to his promotion to F1 with Haas this year, a step-up owed in large part to Mazepin's company Uralkali sponsoring the US outfit.

In 2018, the 53-year-old fertilizer oligarch attempted to buy Force India when the Silverstone-based outfit collapsed that summer. But Mazepin's offer was snubbed by the team's administrators who elected to sell the outfit's assets to a consortium of investors led by Lawrence Stroll.

This year, rumors have swirled that Mazepin could acquire Haas although there has been no tangible evidence that team owner Gene Haas would be willing to part with his F1 franchise.

Neveretheless, Nikita Mazepin reckons his father would become a very successful team owner given his track record in the business world.

"That would be an interesting option for him," the Haas rookie told Sport Bild. "He made gold out of everything he started."

Asked if he would leave Haas to drive for a another team owned by his father, Mazepin said that his current allegiance, which will extend into next year, is with the US outfit.

"I am very loyal to Haas," he said. "So if he were to buy a team it would be exciting to see how they duel, and hopefully beat him.

"I wouldn’t rule it out," he added. "I’m currently part of a team that is 10th out of 10 places in the Constructors’ Championship. But I said I am loyal. I want success with Haas."

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Despite his status as a well-fund pay driver, Mazepin believes he deserves his spot on the grid and insists that Uralkali's involvement is a cost-effective marketing opportunity for the company.

"I have my place because I’m a racing driver and the team see me as an asset,” Mazepin stated.

"The reason for the sponsorship is the company sees Formula 1 as an opportunity for new business.

"I’m the only Russian driver and of course a Russian company will always want to invest in a team that has a fellow countryman."

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