Mazepin will not skip military service because of F1 career

It has been known for a while that Nikita Mazepin has to do his military service in Russia. Last June, the father of Mazepin complained about the military service that the Russian has to do. It would be difficult to combine with the Formula 1 career of his son.

"In Russia, military service is compulsory for anyone who is suitable for it. There are then two possibilities. The first is that you finish university and serve a year and the second is to enter the army if their physical training and academic grades are good enough. In the military division, you study one day a week to become a reserve officer at the end. This training takes three years, but everything happens in the classroom. I've been studying at the military division for two years now, so there's another year ahead of me", Mazepin told Speedweek.com.

The Haas driver elaborates on his education alongside his F1 career. During the week of the Russian Grand Prix, the Russian had class: "Today I went to lectures at the University of Moscow, as I am currently cramming for my Masters. Did I get any special treatment because I am a Formula One driver? No, I haven't. But I have had several problems due to absences and bad grades. But I think studying is important, because sport doesn't last forever. To be honest, for me it was never a question whether I should study or not."

Mazepin to training camp

And what about military service? Nikita continues: "The school year has just started again. After all, I'm not in the army, I'm in military service, as I said, where I have to finish this year. I am looking forward to my time in the Balashikha training camp and then I will also live in the barracks for a month." This will happen at a time when Mazepin is not in the race car.