Nikita Mazepin Q&A: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

We’re at Round 22 of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the final race of your rookie season. How are you feeling physically and mentally and what are your thoughts going into the closing race of the year?

“I’m excited to get to Abu Dhabi – it’s going to be a new track and I’m interested to see if the layout will change some things. I don’t feel mentally fatigued and I’m ready to continue racing which is a good thing, but for sure the team, engineers and mechanics do need rest.”

 

The Yas Marina circuit has undergone comprehensive changes this season – designed to improve overtaking opportunities and overall racing. Do you think the changes will promote closer racing? You’ve raced here previously; do you think the changes will promote closer racing? You’ve raced here previously, do you think the changes will promote closer racing?

“I’ve only raced at Yas Marina in F2 and F3 and racing was on the good side, overtaking wasn’t easy but was still possible. It’s going to be a really good track if it makes a step forward because it’s a cool venue and if you can see people going up and down the order it will make it exciting for the fans.”

 

Once the checkered flag falls on Sunday, and after the end-of-season test, what are your immediate plans? Back to family for the festive period or already thinking about 2022 preparations?

“My immediate plans are to do the test with the team in the mule car after the race weekend and then I’m going for a three-day test in the desert driving buggies. Then, I need to go back to university to finish up exams before the new year.”