Nikita Mazepin Q&A: Belgian Grand Prix

How was your summer break – did you fully switch off or were you already thinking ahead to the second half of the season? 

“The summer break was really good. Unfortunately, those three weeks are never long enough to fully switch off because I had to pass some exams to get into University in September. Formula 1 has a very long season and you need to take time off in order to be best prepared for the mental challenges that are coming in the second part of the year. I focused on my studying, went to the mountains to quad bike and buggy and just focus on the things that I love. The last one and a half weeks I’ve been training so that I’m ready for Spa.”

The first race after some down time is arguably one of the toughest tracks to master – Spa Francorchamps for the Belgian Grand Prix – Round 12 of the 2021 FIA Formula 1 World Championship. Eau Rouge, the left-right up to Raidillon – what is it like to race through such famous – and challenging – corners? 

“Spa is one of my favourite circuits in Formula 1 and in general, in racing. The craziest thing about Spa is that the lap feels so long and sometimes you’re in the first sector and it’s dry and in the second it’s wet because it’s situated on such a big amount of land. You’re driving through the forests and different sections of the track at different speeds but if the car is good there, it’s the best circuit and the best feeling you can get to drive. I’m looking forward to trying it in Formula 1 - Eau Rouge flat out will be a very interesting feeling.”

You won the sprint race here in 2018 and came second last year in Formula 2’s feature race. How does it feel to win around such a circuit?

“It feels amazing. Obviously, I had a difficult win and actually I’ve won twice but I got a penalty the second time. It’s a really cool track because I like to race where you can overtake people and Spa is a great overtaking circuit with many opportunities, the speeds are high, the downforce is low, so to win on a circuit like this, it’s super special.”

The Belgian Grand Prix is known for varying weather conditions – sometime with rain falling on some parts of the track with sun at others – due to its size. How does that affect the set-up of the car for the weekend? 

“It doesn’t affect it because in Formula 1 – with not be able to change the set-up after qualifying – you are in-between where you could be, depending on the weather conditions. I hope it’s dry because I want to experience those G-forces and those maximum speeds.”