Monaco Grand Prix: Nikita Mazepin Q&A

Monaco holds a special place in the history of Formula 1. What does it mean to you personally as a driver to be making your first Formula 1 start at such an iconic venue?

“It is always very special to race in Monaco, regardless of the car, because it’s a city that transfers into a racing circuit then back again – that’s something special. However, to debut in Formula 1, it’s definitely cool but also very challenging.”  

 

Are there any moments from Formula 1’s back catalogue of Monaco highlights that stand out for you?  Are there any driver performances in particular that you’ve admired watching the Monaco Grand Prix growing up? 

“I very well remember when Lewis (Hamilton) and Max (Verstappen) had a fight in 2019 – with Lewis victorious with almost no tires left. I was at the circuit then; I saw it myself and I found it very special.”

 

You had a pair of top 10 finishes in Monaco back in 2019 in your first season of F2 competition. Is the key to success in Monaco a good qualifying performance knowing the challenges of the track layout for overtaking? Is your focus with your race engineers qualifying first, race second?

“Yes, I had a very good time in Monaco in F2 – unfortunately we didn’t go back there last year. I think it’s a track that’s rather good for me. With the engineers you obviously focus on qualifying first because on a circuit like that qualifying is super important with very little opportunity to overtake.” 

 

How much of a driver’s circuit is Monaco and for you in particular, what stands out as the biggest challenge arriving at your first street circuit in Formula 1 with just four race starts under your belt in the VF-21?

“I would say Monaco is mostly a driver’s circuit in regards to making mistakes, but having a good car with a lot of downforce is important – so therefore this year I’m expecting quite a big challenge. In regard to having four race starts under our belt in the VF-21 before Monaco, well, we don’t get to chose the calendar so it is what it is.”  

 

The Monaco Grand Prix will see a limited number of fans return to the grandstands. Just how different is it for you to have been racing recently without the atmosphere that the fans bring to an event?

“It’s obviously been a long time since the grandstands have been properly full. It’s really a shame that people can’t be there as the atmosphere has not been the same. So, I’m happy that F1 is making its first steps to opening the doors.”