American Formula One team Haas has dealt internally with an "abhorrent" video posted by Nikita Mazepin on his Instagram account, but reaffirmed the Russian would drive in the 2021 World Championship.
In the video clip, 21-year-old Mazepin appeared to inappropriately touch a woman in the back seat of a car. The woman seemed to reject his action, raising her middle finger. Mazepin later removed the video.
Haas issued a strongly-worded statement stressing it did not condone Mazepin's behaviour and branded the fact the video had been posted on social media as "abhorrent".
Team Statement: pic.twitter.com/hRpoTAaanM — Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) December 23, 2020
Following the conclusion of the 2020 season, Haas published an updated statement on Wednesday, confirming the matter had been addressed internally.
"Haas F1 Team would like to reaffirm that Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher will form its driver lineup for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship," the team statement read.
"As per the team's previous statement regarding the actions of Nikita Mazepin (December 9) – this matter has now been dealt with internally and no further comment shall be made."
Mazepin, the son of billionaire businessman Dmitry Mazepin, was only recently announced as an F1 driver for 2021.
The Russian had also issued a statement expressing his regret over the video.
"I would like to apologise for my recent actions, both in terms of my own inappropriate behaviour, and the fact that it was posted on to social media," the 21-year-old 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 One driver and I acknowledge I have let myself and many people down. I promise I will learn from this."
