American Formula One team Haas says it does not condone the behaviour of Nikita Mazepin following an "abhorrent" video posted to his Instagram account.
Russian driver Mazepin, 21, who will race for Haas next season, appeared to inappropriately touch a woman in the back seat of a car. The woman seemed to reject his action, raising her middle finger. Mazepin later removed the video.
"Haas F1 Team does not condone the behaviour of Nikita Mazepin in the video recently posted on his social media," the F1 team said in a statement.
TEAM STATEMENT: Haas F1 Team does not condone the behavior of Nikita Mazepin in the video recently posted on his social media. Additionally, the very fact that the video was posted on social media is also abhorrent to Haas F1 Team. (1/2) — Haas F1 Team (@HaasF1Team) December 9, 2020
"Additionally, the very fact that the video was posted on social media is also abhorrent to Haas F1 Team.
"The matter is being dealt with internally and no further comment shall be made at this time."
Mazepin also issued a statement expressing his regret.
He said: "I would like to apologise for my recent actions, both in terms of my own inappropriate behaviour, and the fact that it was posted on to social media.
— Nikita Mazepin (@nikita_mazepin) December 9, 2020
"I am sorry for the offence I have rightly caused and to the embarrassment I have brought to Haas F1 Team.
"I have to hold myself to a higher standard as a Formula One driver and I acknowledge I have let myself and many people down. I promise I will learn from this."
Mazepin, the son of billionaire businessman Dmitry Mazepin, was only announced as an F1 driver for 2021 last week. He will race alongside Formula Two champion Mick Schumacher at Haas next year.
