Nikita Mazepin Q&A: Italian Grand Prix

Monza has held the Italian Grand Prix every year bar once since 1950. What does it mean to be able to race around a circuit with such history, nostalgia and passionate fans?

“Monza is a very cool place to be. Obviously very low downforce and high Formula 1 speeds will mean a new experience for me. Formula 2 was fast and we’re going to be even faster, so I’m looking forward to experiencing Ascari and Lesmo in a Formula 1 car.”

 

The circuit is nicknamed the temple of speed for good reason, with cars on full throttle for 80% of the lap. Having secured a podium finish during the 2018 GP3 Series, how do you tackle such conditions?

“The challenges in Formula 1 are very different to Formula 2 and Formula 3. I’m calm and open-minded to see what challenges present and what’s going to be difficult in a Formula 1 car in tackling the temple of speed.”

This weekend will be the second event to feature Sprint qualifying. What did you make of the format in Silverstone, and will you prepare differently now having experience of how an altered race weekend unfolds?

“I enjoyed the first Sprint qualifying and I’m looking forward to trying the next one this weekend. It will give us a little bit less time in free practice but I know the circuit quite well and I feel ready for it.”