---
title: "Haas to deal with Mazepin’s ‘abhornent’ behaviour internally"
canonical: "https://readmotorsport.com/2020/12/09/haas-to-deal-with-mazepins-abhornent-behaviour-internally/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Hamilton Lyndon-Griffiths"
section: "F1 News"
published: "2020-12-09T15:43:58Z"
modified: "2020-12-09T15:44:00Z"
---

# Haas to deal with Mazepin’s ‘abhornent’ behaviour internally

Haas says it plans to deal with Nikita Mazepin’s “abhorrent” behaviour internally after condemning an inappropriate video posted on his Instagram account.

The American-owned team announced Mazepin as one of its Formula 1 drivers for 2021 on a multi-year deal last week, where he will partner 2020 Formula 2 champion Mick Schumacher.

A short video was uploaded by Mazepin on Instagram on Tuesday night, where he is seen touching a women’s chest from the passenger seat of a car.

The video was immediately deleted but has gone viral over social media, leading to Haas to release a statement condemning the Russian’s actions.

“Haas F1 Team does not condone the behaviour of Nikita Mazepin in the video recently posted on his social media,” read the statement.

“Additionally, the very fact the video was posted on social media is also abhorrent to Haas F1 Team.

“The matter is being dealt with internally and no further comment shall be made at this time.”

Following Haas’ statement, Mazepin took to Twitter to apologise for the incident.

“I would like to apologise for my recent actions both in terms of my own inappropriate behaviour and the fact that it was posted onto social media,” Mazepin said.

“I am sorry for the offence I have rightly caused and to the embarrassment I have brought to Haas F1 Team.

“I have to hold myself to a higher standard as a Formula 1 driver and I acknowledge I have let myself and many people down. I promise I will learn from this.”

Mazepin finished fifth in this year’s F2 championship with two victories, which was enough for him to earn the required FIA superlicense points drivers must secure in order to race in F1.

The 21-year-old is set to appear in next week’s young driver test for Mercedes in Abu Dhabi, continuing his preparations for next year.