Nikita Mazepin Q&A: Hungarian Grand Prix
July 27, 2021
This week we head to the Hungaroring for Round 11 of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship – a circuit you’ve won at while on your way to finishing second in the 2018 GP3 Championship. The circuit resembles that of a karting track due to the lack of straights – what’s it like to drive?
“Hungaroring is a cool place to be at. It’s normally very hot so it’s quite physically demanding but after it’s been resurfaced a few years back, this track provides a lot of grippy conditions with the new tarmac and I’ve always enjoyed driving there, although racing there might be a little difficult.”
It’s a track that doesn’t lend itself to those on the grid battling with a lack of downforce. What’s the expectation for this weekend and realistic target for the team?
“The realistic target for the team is to try and maximize our performance in Hungaroring. This track does need a lot of downforce and grip because there’s a lot of high-speed corners. There, the minimal speed is the key so we will try to maximize what we’ve got.”
At the British Grand Prix, Formula 1 revealed new assets of the 2022 car to be used from next season. We’re not yet at the halfway mark of this season but what are your thoughts on the car and does this start to build excitement and hope, looking forward to 2022?
“I think the 2022 car looks very cool. It’s obviously very different looking and I’m just hoping that it will provide the teams and Formula 1 with what they are wanting to achieve with it, which is more overtakes.”
This is the last race before the traditional Formula 1 summer shutdown. Are you happy there is a break coming up for all to pause and reflect so far on the season or after a busy couple of months, would you prefer to keep the racing rhythm going? What do you plan to do with your time off?
“I’ve enjoyed this year. It’s been very different to what my expectations were and it’s been very different to any other year I’ve had. I think I would’ve preferred to keep racing however I’m sure every member of the team needs time to relax and see their family.”