Nikita Mazepin Q&A: Dutch Grand Prix

This is the second race in the second triple-header of the season. During a season with a record number of races planned, and in your rookie year, what are the benefits of a triple-header in your opinion? 

“The benefits are obviously driving and getting the experience. It can get very repetitive and frustrating at times but when you’re going to circuits like Spa, Zandvoort and Monza which are all different – some of which I know very well and some I don’t – there’s loads of experience that you can gain. I’ve never driven a Formula 1 car around those circuits so there’s great opportunities to improve as a driver.”

This will be the first Dutch Grand Prix in 36 years but you’ve previously raced at Zandvoort during the FIA Formula 3 European Championship in 2016 and 2017 – how will the current specification of Formula 1 cars tackle the Zandvoort’s iconic banked corners?

“I enjoy driving this crazy circuit because it’s unlike any other on the calendar. It’s very special, impossible to overtake – almost – and I’m looking forward to getting out there because they’ve changed the circuit and added a lot of camber in some places. I’m interested in how that’s going to feel in a very fast Formula 1 car.”

It’s a race with a lot of anticipation and excitement for the paddock and fans alike. Part of that excitement will arguably be due to the fact Max Verstappen will be racing in front of his fans, on home soil, for the first time. Your home race in Sochi is only a few weeks away – what added expectation or motivation does that give to a driver?

“A home race is very special. Not every Formula 1 driver has a home race so being one of them makes me feel very lucky. When you race in front of the people who support you it gives you a lot more motivation to power through difficult sessions, but at the same time it adds pressure to you wanting to be doing the best job you can, and sometimes things don’t go your way during a race weekend.”