Russian Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin has admitted he made a "huge mistake" after he was filmed appearing to inappropriately touch a woman.
The incident, which at the time was described by the 22-year-old's Haas team as "abhorrent", was posted to Mazepin's Instagram account in December.
The woman, sitting in the back of a car, seemed to reject Mazepin's action, raising her middle finger. The video was later removed.
First day at @haasf1team. Feeling home 🙌🏻 #NM9 pic.twitter.com/DAuNeToINW — Nikita Mazepin (@nikita_mazepin) February 17, 2021
Mazepin, the son of billionaire businessman Dmitry Mazepin, had only been announced as an F1 driver in the days before the incident.
"As a driver you just focus on your job because it is very demanding on track and you try not to make mistakes out the circuit, but it can happen, and I have made a huge mistake," Mazepin said on Thursday,
"How I reflect on my actions is pretty clear. I am not happy it happened. I am not proud of it. I didn't behave as I am meant to behave as a Formula One driver and I have taken responsibility for it.
"We as human beings have to show a certain behaviour to each other to live in a calm world, and I am confident I will be one of those humans from now on.
"I am not going to be able to put words in people's mouths, but I am confident with the effort I am putting in and the actions I am taking, the results will be there so I can let the racing do the talking. "
VF – 21 😍 #NM9 @HaasF1Team pic.twitter.com/PhXKnUoyJM — Nikita Mazepin (@nikita_mazepin) March 4, 2021
The #SayNoToMazepin campaign trended on social media following the incident. Haas say they have dealt with the matter internally.
Mazepin continued: "Graduating to Formula One and being a Formula One driver means all of a sudden you become an example to a lot of young kids who are aiming to get to the same championship.
"With that, you have to bring a certain behaviour. I have not done that instantly. I was too late to realise that unfortunately and, in regards to what I have learned, it is quite clear.
"Firstly, the behaviour and secondly, how you should act on social media and off social media, too."
Hello 2021 😍#HaasF1 pic.twitter.com/C2gVJFlPWV — Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) March 4, 2021
Mazepin was speaking as Haas unveiled its new livery, which sports the Russian national colours following a sponsorship deal with Uralkali.
The Russian fertiliser company is co-owned by Mazepin's father, Dmitry.
Mazepin will drive alongside Mick Schumacher in all-rookie line-up for Haas this season.
