Mazepin is a big fan of MMA: 'As a child I was already involved in martial arts'

Nikita Mazepin is one of three special rookies next season in Formula 1. A lot is expected of Tsunoda as Honda and Red Bull protégé, Mick Schumacher carries the name of his famous father with him. Mazepin would normally be overshadowed in that company, but lately he has managed to stand out quite a bit.

This is mainly the result of some controversial actions. Much has already been said about this and, as the son of a wealthy oil tycoon, he's easy to dismiss. But what kind of person is he? We find out more about that in an interview with the Russian Match TV.

One of the things he says in this interview is that he has been a busy student as well as a racing driver in recent years. He is currently in his fourth year as a student at the University of Moscow and if he didn't drive Formula 1 next year, he would probably have focused entirely on his studies.

So Mazepin is not staring blindly at Formula 1. Something he didn't do as a child either, when he practised various sports. For example, he is a big fan of MMA. "I love that sport enormously. Not many people know this, but as a six or seven year old I was also involved in gymnastics and martial arts as well as racing".

Mazepin wants to fight Hamilton

This fighting mentality is reflected in him on the circuit. When asked who he wants to fight with next season, he says: "Probably with everyone, but you also have to be realistic: we expect a difficult season with this car. But when we talk about drivers, I want to highlight Lewis Hamilton. He has created something around him that is more than just driving laps and winning trophies".