Mazepin Set for F1 Debut at Silverstone Test

By Joey Barnes, Editor-in-Chief

Nikita Mazepin will make his Formula 1 debut in the upcoming test at Silverstone with Sahara Force India.

The 17-year-old Russian currently competes in the FIA European Formula 3 Championship with Hi-Tech Racing and will get some time in the VJM09 in both days of series testing.

The opportunity wasn’t lost on Mazepin, who has already put time in the simulator at the team’s headquarters.

“I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to test the VJM09 at Silverstone,” Mazepin said. “There’s no doubt it will be the biggest moment of my career and it’s something I’ve been working towards my whole life. It’s been a few months since I joined the team and I feel ready for this opportunity.

“I know it’s an important test for the team and they will be counting on me to do a good job, so I will work hard to make sure we achieve our objectives.”

Sahara Force India team principal Vijay Mallya attributed Mazepin’s quick development and skillset as reasons to progress the Russian forward.

“In just a few months since his announcement as a development driver, Nikita has shown a great level of technical understanding to go with his driving skills,” Mallya said.

“His progress in our simulator has been excellent and to be in the car during this test is the next step in his natural progression within the team. We are looking forward to working with him in Silverstone.”

About Joey Barnes 624 Articles
Joey Barnes is the Founder of Motorsports Tribune, an outlet that began with the goal of helping aspiring journalists break into and grow the industry. A regular on the racing scene since 2013, the journey for Joey started by covering a Grand-Am event at Circuit of The Americas in his home state of Texas. He has since primarily focused on the IndyCar Series, with appearances in the garages of NASCAR, paddocks of Formula 1, IMSA and World Endurance Championship, while also occasionally engulfing clouds of dust at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals and select Supercross rounds. With previous stops at Autoweek, IndyCar.com, Motorsport.com and RACER, among others, Joey evolved from the singular task as a freelance writer to advanced roles behind the copy desk and alongside some of the best editorial teams in the business. Recognized as a multi-time award winner by the National Motorsports Press Association, Joey currently resides in Dallas-Fort Worth with his trusty four-legged canine companion, Rocket.

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