Mazepin doesn't dare speak out: 'I see tremendous risks in that'

Nikita Mazepin, in conversation with the BBC, made himself heard. The Russian doesn't speak out about the war his country is fighting, but he does get fed up with the "cancel culture" against Russia.

Mazepin had a seat in F1 for the 2022 Formula One season and with his father as the wealthy sponsor of Haas, there seemed to be a working relationship. However, this contract was terminated following the outbreak of war in Ukraine. The American team replaced Mazepin with former driver Kevin Magnussen.

Mazepin speaks out

"I don't agree with the sanctions (against Russia) and I intend to fight it, but perhaps now is not the right time. If you look at the whole situation against athletes in a general case it's ''cancel culture'' against my country," says the Russian driver.

When the interviewer addresses the images we are shown from Ukraine, Mazepin seems to sympathise. "I live in the same world as you, although perhaps three/four hours away from plane. It's very painful to watch that on many levels."

Mazepin, however, does not want to speak out publicly about the war. "As a human being and as a person that wants to live in a very peaceful world, but I will be honest with you, I see tremendous risks in saying anything about it because I can never satisfy everyone and therefore I will keep myself publicly quiet," Mazepin concluded.