Nikita Mazepin has been known to post strange messages on his social media. This also happened on Tuesday, after the announcement of George Russell at Mercedes and the prolongation of Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tusnoda at AlphaTauri. The Russian posted a rather cryptic message.
Exit Giovinazzi at Alfa Romeo?
On the Instagram Mazepin placed a black square with only the text '#NM99 ;)'. The NM seems to refer to his own name, the number 99 is the starting number of Antonio Giovinazzi in Formula 1. The Haas driver seems to hint at a departure of Antonio Giovinazzi so Mazepin can take over the Italian's number.
Whatever Mazepin means by this, it is a remarkable message. Should Giovinazzi actually leave Formula 1, Mazepin can't just start using number 99. According to FIA rules a race number can only be used when the driver has been out of Formula 1 for at least two years.
Rumours that Giovinazzi will be forced to leave Alfa Romeo next season have been doing the rounds for some time now, but the team has yet to confirm who will be driving alongside Valtteri Bottas in 2022.