Mazepin hits back at Hamilton's 'billionaire kids club' jibe
Jun.11 - Nikita Mazepin has hit back at Lewis Hamilton's complaint that Formula 1 has become a "billionaire kids' club".
The seven time world champion was clearly referring to the likes of Mazepin, Lance Stroll, Nicholas Latifi and other current drivers whose fathers are all famously wealthy.
When asked about his own privilege as the son of Russian industrialist and billionaire Dmitry Mazepin, Nikita said: "Every new driver in Formula 1 has received support from sponsors.
"Some are the makers of energy drinks, one is the richest man in Mexico - these are all people who are on the grid today that we could all talk about as well."
Mazepin has had a horror introduction to Formula 1 with a spate of on and off-track controversies, but he insists he has no personal animus with Hamilton.
"We have always had a very correct relationship," he told sports.ru.
"We haven't communicated much, but in the paddock everyone is very polite so I don't feel anything negative."
Mazepin, 22, even thanked drivers like Lando Norris who have publicly defended the Russian from vitriolic online attacks.
"My manager, who used to work with Lando, sent me that video. I think he has also found himself in difficult situations in his career," he said of the McLaren driver.
"During the stream, he simply disagreed with those who joined in on the hate about me. I have to say I was really happy about that - I have always had a good relationship with him."
Mazepin says he has also received support from a couple of world champions.
"Due to covid, the F1 teams are stuck in these bubbles so I've actually seen and talked with very few people," he said.
"Of the drivers I have seen, I have very good relationships with all of them. I would especially point out the older generation such as Alonso and Vettel. Very nice men.
"I remember seeing them as a child as superheroes and now I see they are very open and down to earth."
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You don't have to be a billionaires son to get into F1, there's plenty of millionaires sons too.
Yep but it has to be multi multi millionaires
When asked about his own privilege as the son of Russian industrialist and billionaire Dmitry Mazepin, Nikita said: "Every new driver in Formula 1 has received support from sponsors.
"Some are the makers of energy drinks, one is the richest man in Mexico - these are all people who are on the grid today that we could all talk about as well."
The difference is that 'sponsors' can choose who to invest in, fathers are stuck with their kid.
Fair play to him for not putting up with hampsters bullying bull shit
Dont forget Max was very unpopular when he first came into F1 give him time to learn , he may end up as good as Max.
Max was a great driver from day 1, mazaspin struggles to stay on the track
same in every sport i raced with John Bonhams son ( Led Zeppelin ) drummer in schoolboy motocross, he was an ordinary kid, not an every race winner he did ok though , but turned up with the biggest motorhome wed ever seen and a trick genuine Mugen cr 125 money at every level of motorsport ....
Ah, a 2-wheeled bumpy-bump background AND Led Zeppelin That explains it. LOL
Shush now RoR , Im busy helping Sir Lewis negotiate his new contract with The big bad Wolf, , Lewis is being annoying, just describing everything as being Fun Fun Fun, and his keeps getting Txts from Jax and F1award which isnt helping one bit
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