Former Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin made headlines for the wrong reasons during last weekend’s Asian Le Mans Series finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, after forcing a fellow competitor off the circuit.
Mazepin is known for having an aggressive driving style, with it having been on display in Abu Dhabi in the closing stages of the race.
The Russian driver was in the lead of the race before running wide at Turn Five, opening the door on the inside for American driver Nolan Siegel.
The duo stormed down the main straight side-by-side; however, the former Haas driver forced Siegel beyond the white line and off the circuit, with the commentators immediately saying that he’d been pushed “too far”.
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Remarkably, Siegel refused to back out of the move and slid down the inside of Mazepin at the tight Turn Six, to gain the lead of the race.
Mazepin’s 99 Racing team went on to claim second in the race, to mark a strong end to the series.
Mazepin’s participation in the Asian Le Mans Series was actually his first time competing outside of his nation since the conflict in Eastern Europe began, with the Russian driver having been unable to compete last season following FIA restrictions.
“I am delighted to be making my return to racing in the Asian Le Mans Series,” said Mazepin, when he confirmed that he’d be competing in the series.
“Together with my teammates at 99 Racing, I’m hoping to have a great experience competing in the sport I love.”
The Asian Le Mans Series isn’t an FIA-governed event; hence why Mazepin was able to compete in the series.
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He did opt to compete under a neutral white flag, though, something which some wondered about ahead of the event.
With the series no over, it remains to be seen where else Mazepin will compete in 2023, given that the year has only just started.
The likelihood is that he may appear in another non-FIA run series in the near future; however, the 23-year-old hasn’t yet confirmed what his plans are for the remainder of the year.