Nikita Masepin was shown the door by Haas – Despite his sacking, the 23-year-old still hopes to return to Formula 1
The war in Ukraine has thrown Nikita Masepin’s career into turmoil. Actually, the Russian was supposed to compete for the US-American Haas team in Formula 1 and compete with Mick Schumacher there. However, due to the strict sanctions, first the Russian sponsor Uralkali and then the racing driver himself had to give way. Kevin Magnussen took over the cockpit from Masepin, but he is hoping to return.
Talking to ‘Match TV’, Masepin says: “I would get back in the driving wheel immediately and take the first opportunity. Sometimes miracles happen,” the Russian responds to the statement that it is unlikely that a Formula One team will sign him again. He compares himself to his successor Magnussen, who had also already written off the premier class.
“Everything is possible,” Masepin is combative. “Magnussen is in very good form after his break and has proved what he can do. I plan to copy his success story.” Where the journey will take the Russian is yet to be decided. He is considering returning to Formula 1 via another championship or first finding his feet again as a reserve driver.
“Four months ago I couldn’t imagine everything changing so quickly,” said the ex-Formula 1 driver. “I can’t imagine now that in four months everything will be fine for me again, but I hope so.” According to Masepin, he has not received a single message from his former team members since he was kicked out of Haas. Why that is the case, he doesn’t know.
“If a mechanic or someone I worked closely with was sacked, I sent a message on Whatsapp, regardless of my attitude to the person or the management,” explains Masepin, who cannot understand this from a human point of view. Masepin has no good word for Mick Schumacher, who is in a crisis at Haas: “The results speak for themselves, I don’t need to add anything more. “
