Mazepin complains of having a heavier Haas than Schumacher
Nikita Mazepin complained about the weight difference between his car and that of his teammate. On his side, Günther Steiner, the Haas team principal, made sure to clarify and qualify his driver's statements.
The quarrels between Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher continue. After having almost collided at the end of the Azerbaijan Grand Prix and having declared that they do not appreciate each other with Schumi Jr, the Russian went back on the attack. In an interview, Nikita Mazepin assured that he has a much heavier Haas than the son of the seven-time world champion.
« When you have a very heavy car compared to the other car in the team, it is very difficult to stay ahead, so I am not happy. But I am waiting to have a new one to really have a chance, because for now I am powerless, I do my best at first, then I am just a carrot that will be picked, and unfortunately I did get picked. That’s how it is. », he says after the race.
At this early stage of the season, the Russian has a chassis from last year and does not expect to receive a new one before six or seven races. However, his team manager has clarified the comments made by his driver, whether it’s about the weight of his car or the wait time for his new chassis.
There is a slight difference in terms of weight distribution, because sometimes we cannot distribute the weight (as needed) without adding a little extra ballast. It’s never good to be heavy, but it’s not like there are twenty kilos more or even ten kilos. It’s nothing like that. And we built a new chassis about a month ago, I would say the plan is to have it not in six or seven races but after the summer break,” he said.
The Italian then confessed that the blue flags would be the reason why his Russian protege lost a lot of time during the race.
No, during the last race, it wasn’t that. I think he was caught up by the cars lapping him. So we’re just losing time and we’re powerless, because once we let three cars pass, the tires are in a condition that is not desirable, and we never find them again, you know. I don’t think it has anything to do with the chassis. (Blue flags) are the main reason, I wouldn’t say it’s because of the weight difference.
When you are told that the group is doing well…
