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      Nikita Mazepin is F1’s newest star who punched Brit Callum Ilott in face and has dad worth more than £5billion

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      NIKITA MAZEPIN will make his Formula One debut next season having been confirmed by the Haas team.
      The Russian, who is currently racing in Formula 2, is the son of a billionaire and brings lucrative sponsorship to the team.

      Nikita Mazepin has been awarded a promotion to Formula OneCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      The Russian will hope to push Haas back up the grid when replacing Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen

      The 21-year-old is expected to line up alongside Mick Schumacher, who is likely to be confirmed by Haas this week.
      The Brackley-based team have already told Romain Grosjean and Kevin Magnussen that they would not be renewing their deals and have gone for the rookie partnership in 2021.
      WHAT DO WE KNOW ABOUT HIM?
      He has money. And lots of it. Well, technically his dad has.
      Dimitry Mazepin is worth over £5billion and founded a chemical company Uralchem in 2007.

      Mazepin is sponsored by Russian chemical company Uralkali, who make fertiliser, where his dad is a shareholder.
      But is not only his financial clout he is known for.
      He once punched current F2 rival Callum Ilott in the face, leaving the Brit with a black eye and swollen jaw. Mazepin was given a single-race ban for the incident.

      Nikita (left) alongside dad Dmitry and Russian premier Vladimir Putin
      IS HE ANY GOOD?
      He has shown moments of ability. In 2018 he was in GP3 racing alongside Ilott for ART and finished the season in second place in the championship.

      In 2019 he joined Formula 2 and struggled.
      However, this season he has improved and claimed his first win at Mugello. He is currently third in the championship behind Schumacher and Ilott.

      Mazepin has won two races in F1 this year, with a further four podiumsCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      IS HE READY FOR F1?
      The simple answer is, we will not know until his first race.
      But there is a widely-held belief that he is not as good as Magnussen, Ilott, Sergio Perez or Nico Hulkenberg, who are also available.
      Haas have struck a deal based on the financial/talent balance that they believe will make them more competitive.
      It is a run as a business after all.
      Mazepin has stumped up the cash for a few private tests with Mercedes and Force India back in 2016 and 2018, so given the lack of testing currently available, he certainly has a better chance than most of getting up to speed quickly.

      Mazepin brings considerable financial clout with him to the Haas team

      The 21-year-old beat F2 rival Callum Ilott to the Ferrari feeder team’s seat

      F2 stars Nobuharu Matsushita and Nikita Mazepin in horror crash at Russian GP as race postponed More

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      F1 coronavirus rules: What happens when Lewis Hamilton can’t race after Covid positive? Who is his Mercedes replacement?

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      FORMULA ONE was the first international sport to come back after the coronavirus pandemic and in order to get approval from the respective governments of the countries it went to, it needed to have a strict Covid Code of Conduct.
      Lewis Hamilton is the third driver this season to test positive for coronavirus after Sergio Perez and Lance Stroll.

      Lewis Hamilton will not be getting behind the wheel in Bahrain because he has coronavirusCredit: Reuters
      What is the F1 coronavirus protocol?

      Each member of the team, drivers, media and FIA staff had to agree to the document that outlined the procedures of the testing process and the steps should someone test positive.
      Anyone attending a GP with access to the paddock or surrounding buildings must take a pre-event Covid test before they travel to the country.
      This is done in the form of an intrusive nasal and throat swab by licensed company, Eurofins, which I have done on a Monday, allowing me enough time to get the results before flying.
      The results are also sent to the FIA and, should there be a positive test, that person and their team would be notified.

      How did Lewis Hamilton find out he tested positive?
      The regulation swab and test is what happened with Hamilton.
      The world champion felt “mild symptoms” and it was the pre-event test that delivered a positive result.
      It was the same for Perez, who tested positive ahead of the British GP and was forced to miss out.
      This test is like a safety net and limits the people they come into contact with, lowering the risk of further infection.

      Once the person is told they are positive, they are immediately ruled out from competing that weekend and are placed under the local medical guidelines of the country in which the test took place.
      How long will Hamilton have to isolate?
      So seven-time world champ Hamilton will be forced to isolate for 10 days before undergoing another test for Covid-19, as part of the Bahraini government’s procedures.
      While he will be placed into isolation, so too will the members of his bubble – those who come into regular close contact with him, notably his performance coach, Angela Cullen, and advisor, Marc Hynes.
      This is standard procedure where those in the bubble remain in isolation following the results of further testing. They can then return to work should they test negative.
      Meanwhile, the whole of the Mercedes race team in Bahrain would be testested – like every person attending this weekend’s race.
      So that includes the likes of Max Verstappen and Alex Albon, who were on the podium with him last Sunday.

      Any person failing a test will be isolated in their hotel room or motorhome, with necessary replacements call up.
      Every person is also required to undertake another Covid test upon the first 24 hours of their arrival in the paddock – this is normally done on Thursday morning.
      Then there is a final test, usually done on Sunday morning or the following day, mainly for reassurance before travelling home, where as in this case, the next race.
      Who will be Mercedes’ replacement driver at the Sakhir Grand Prix?
      Either Stoffel Vandoorne or George Russell will replace the Stevenage ace behind the wheel.
      Don’t forget Hamilton, 35, already has the F1 title wrapped up, with Mercedes winning the constructors’ title so there is no danger of them missing out on important points. More

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      Romain Grosjean’s wife Marion claims their children inspired F1 star to survive blazing fireball crash in emotional post

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      ROMAIN GROSJEAN’S wife has written an emotional post on social media claiming their children helped inspire him to survive his horror crash.
      The Frenchman was trapped in his burning Haas car for 20 seconds after a terrifying collision with a barrier at 140mph at the Bahrain Grand Prix.

      Romain Grosjean’s wife posted an emotional message on social mediaCredit: Instagram / @mariongrosjean

      The couple have three children togetherCredit: Instagram / @mariongrosjean

      Grosjean, 34, eventually clambered out of the wreck – in which his car split in two – and was treated in hospital overnight with burns to his hands.
      Miraculously, those were his only injuries and Grosjean was left in no doubt that the car’s halo saved his life having protected his head from the barriers.
      And wife Marion has spoken out over the life-threatening incident claiming their three children ‘led him from the fire.’
      She wrote: “Obviously, I didn’t sleep last night and, to be honest, I’m not sure what to write as words don’t come easily.

      “I didn’t know what to post as a photo, either. What image to keep from yesterday? That of the flames? Of him being held by the track workers? The wreckage of his car?
      “I put this one, where we’re both wearing the same GP2 title t-shirt. The one I still sleep in sometimes.
      “I would have preferred it to have the word ‘superhero’ rather than ‘champion’, but if we have to we’ll have it custom made.
      “For our children, because that’s how we explain the inexplicable.

      Marion and Romain married in 2012 – four years after meetingCredit: Instagram / @mariongrosjean

      They have two sons and a daughterCredit: Instagram / @mariongrosjean

      Grosjean clambered from his burning vehicle after 20 seconds
      “I also wrote on Twitter of how a shield of love protected him.
      “I have thanks for the medical workers, the friendship and all who have shown support, affection and kindness.”
      “Thanks to Jules Bianchi’s family, to his father Philippe, whom I keep thinking about. To Jules himself. To Kevin Magnussen for his words. To the Canal + teams for their delicacy.
      “Thank you to our children who led him out of the fire.
      “Thanks to his courage, his relentlessness, his strength, his love, his physical training, which probably kept him alive too. It didn’t take one miracle, it took several. Kisses.”
      Romain and Marion met in 2008 and married four years later.
      They have two sons, Sacha aged seven and Simon, five, and a daughter Camile aged two.
      Lewis Hamilton also paid his respects to the medics who helped Grosjean escape the ball of flames.

      Romain was treated for burns on his hands in Bahrain

      The ten greatest F1 drivers of all-time – according to SunSport’s motorsport correspondent Ben Hunt
      Alongside video footage, he wrote: “This could have been any one of us sitting in hospital but the strength he’s shown is amazing to see.
      “I’d like to thank our marshals and medical team for being on the scene and tending to Romain without hesitation.
      “Knowing that you’re there to pick us up when we fall is helpful.”

      Romain Grosjean’s helmet visor MELTED in fireball Bahrain GP crash, reveals hero doctor who saved F1 star More

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      F1 halo hailed for saving Romain Grosjean’s life: Eight genius safety features sport has brought in to prevent death

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      ROMAIN GROSJEAN was saved thanks to the halo cockpit canopy on his F1 car.
      The halo was introduced in 2018 and while it was not universally liked, it has already saved many F1 drivers.

      The halo on Romain Grosjean’s F1 car helped save the Frenchman’s lifeCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      His car completely burned after his horror crash in the opening lap of the Bahrain GPCredit: Getty – Pool

      The super-strong structure can withstand a weight of 12,000kgs and is also used to deflect debris from striking a driver’s helmet.
      It was introduced following the deaths of Indycar racer Justin Wilson and F1 star Jules Bianchi, who both suffered head injuries while racing.
      Here SunSport looks at seven of the other safety devices F1 has introduced during its 70-year history.
      Helmets
      It is incredible to think that helmets were not originally required for the pioneers, but they became mandatory in 1952.

      A driver’s helmet has advanced technology with the outer shell now tougher than before while the padding inside is now able to absorb big impacts.
      Fireproof suits
      Grosjean was wearing four layers of fireproof material when he crashed and accounts for how he survived in the inferno for more than 20 seconds.
      This year’s race suits are even thicker and can withstand temperatures of 800 degrees for around ten seconds.

      Grosjean was wearing four layers of fireproof material helping him survive for more than 20 seconds in the blazeCredit: Splash News

      The survival cell
      The central part of an F1 car is the toughest part and almost indestructible.

      It is designed to remain in one piece in big smashes.
      It is constructed of 6mm thick carbon fibre and then given another layer of Kevlar, which is used in bullet-proof clothing.
      It also contains an in-built fire extinguisher.
      The headrest
      F1 cars are designed with thick padding built into the headrests – not that you can see it.
      It is around the driver’s neck and looks like part of the bodywork.
      The padding is able to absorb huge amounts of g-force in a crash and also help take the strain off a driver’s head when cornering.
      HANS device
      The Head and Neck Support (HANS) device has been compulsory since 2003.
      It attaches a driver’s helmet to an anchor point behind their shoulders to prevent further neck injuries in a high-impact crash.
      It has been proved that it has saved many lives since it was introduced.

      F1 did not make helmets compulsory until 1952 but they are now a key featureCredit: AFP

      The Head and Neck Support device became mandatory in 2003 and evidence shows it has saved many livesCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      Wheel tethers
      While they are not totally fail-safe, the tethers prevent a car’s wheels from flying off upon impact.
      A bouncing tyre in the middle of a packed track can be lethal to fellow drivers, marshals and spectators.
      The tethers are in place to stop the wheels from causing further accidents.
      Accelerometer and biometric glove
      The accelerometer is a simple but effective device that fits into a driver’s radio earpiece that monitors the g-force impact of a crash.
      That data is fed back to the medical team upon impact so they can take necessary action based on the accident, given they might not have seen the actual impact at first.
      The same goes for the biometric glove, introduced in 2018 and that measures a driver’s pulse and blood oxygen levels.

      F1 doctor Ian Roberts describes Romain Grosjean’s injuries sustained in fireball Bahrain GP crash More

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      What is halo in F1? Cockpit system explained which saved Romain Grosjean from serious injury at Bahrain GP

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      THE HALO cockpit has been part and parcel of F1 for the last three seasons – and proved its worth at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
      Haas driver Romain Grosjean slammed into the barriers in a terrifying 140mph fireball crash, with the halo deemed the reason he was able to escape with his life.

      Grosjean walked away from one of the worst F1 crashes in recent years – and the Halo system has been praisedCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      What is the halo cockpit system?

      Safety is paramount in Formula One and sadly down the years some haven’t been as lucky as Grosjean.
      Jules Bianchi was killed after a crash at the 2014 Japanese Grand Prix, losing control of his Marussia in treacherous conditions.
      And his mother was quick to point out that the halo – which wasn’t a feature of the cars six years ago but was being worked on by the FIA – had ‘saved Romain’s life’.

      French journalist @Julien_FEBREAU received a message from Jules Bianchi’s mother that said:”They introduced the Halo following my son’s accident and the Halo saved Romain’s life today. This is great. I’m glad that he’s okay.”❤️❤️❤️❤️
      — tami. (@Vetteleclerc) November 29, 2020

      The halo was introduced back in 2018 and is an added safety feature now included on all F1 cars, acting as titanium ring of protection around the driver’s cockpit.

      It is designed to prevent drivers from getting injuries from flying debris or suffering head trauma like in the tragic case of Bianchi.
      The F1 governing body took a long time to research and test the design, which does slightly impact the field of view for drivers.
      When it was launched there was also criticism from some fans, who believed the hefty new structure around the cockpit meant they couldn’t see the racers properly.

      The system was controversial when brought in as some thought it went against F1’s open cockpit appealCredit: Reuters
      Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton revealed back in 2018 that he felt it could be the first step towards a closed cockpit around the driver, but that hasn’t yet come to fruition.

      He said: “I think we’re moving towards a closed cockpit, I think that would look better, there’s some real great concepts online of a closed cockpit.
      “It’s a difficult one as when they introduced it, talked about it, they mentioned a 17 per cent improvement in safety and it’s difficult to really ignore that.
      “It definitely doesn’t look good, we know that, we’ve said that.”

      The Halo Cockpit system improves safety but some F1 drivers hate it

      The system was slammed by fans and drivers alike in 2018 – but has proved its worthCredit: Reuters
      How did it save Grosjean in Bahrain crash?
      Grosjean’s car snapped clean in half at the force of the crash, with the impact measured at a scarcely-believable 53G.
      Despite the fireball that consumed the wreckage of his vehicle, Grosjean was saved from major burns by his four layers of protective clothing and was able to jump to safety.
      The sturdily-built halo is designed to take the full force of impact first, protecting the drivers head from serious injury.

      The ruined barrier at the Bahrain GP after impactCredit: Getty Images – Getty
      In this case, it appears to have worked with Grosjean suffering just minor burns to his hands and miraculously avoiding serious trauma to either his body or head.
      Ross Brawn, F1 managing director, was adamant after the race that without the halo we could have been looking at another tragedy.
      He said: “There is absolutely no doubt the halo was the factor that saved the day – and saved Romain.”

      The huge fireball erupted after Grosjean hit the barrier at almost 150mphCredit: AP:Associated Press
      And world champ Hamilton said after winning the race in Sakhir: “It was such a shocking image to see.
      “His car, the cockpit, I don’t know what Gs he pulled, but I’m just so grateful that the halo worked.
      “I’m grateful the barrier didn’t slice his head off. It could have been so much worse.”
      Grosjean was immediately air-lifted to hospital after the crash and praised the F1 safety system for saving his life.
      He said: “I wasn’t for the halo some years ago, but I think it’s the greatest thing that we brought to Formula 1 and without it I wouldn’t be able to speak to you today.” More

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      F1 bosses open investigation into Romain Grosjean’s horrifying crash that almost killed Haas star at Bahrain GP

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      FORMULA ONE bosses have started their investigation into the horrifying crash that almost killed Romain Grosjean.
      The Swiss-born star escaped a fiery smash in Bahrain with just burns to his hands thanks to F1’s safety measures and the quick work of the medical team and marshals.

      F1 bosses have launched an investigation into Grosjean’s horror crashCredit: Splash News

      Grosjean gave fans a second positive update from his hospital room on MondayCredit: Instagram

      However, the sport’s governing body will now forensically analyse Grosjean’s Haas and study the data on his car to identify what caused the crash and how it can be prevented in future.
      FIA chiefs will also double-check the safety of the Bahrain track which will host its second race this weekend, albeit on a new layout – a quicker oval track.
      Race Director Michael Masi said: “The guys at the Bahrain International Circuit did an amazing job. Credit where credit’s due…
      “From all facets of that incident response be it marshals, fire marshals, our amazing medical team Alan van der Merwe and Dr Ian Roberts, the management from a race control perspective…

      “It’s not just one little piece, it’s everyone working together. So it’s a credit to everyone involved.
      “With every incident, but more so with every major incident, the FIA safety department leads the investigation.
      “The single seater department, of which F1 is a part from a technical perspective, has an involvement.
      “The F1 teams and the technical directors will be involved. The circuits commission will be involved [on] circuit safety.

      Grosjean’s Haas was torn into two pieces after the horrific crashCredit: The Mega Agency

      “All of the various parts of the FIA group as a whole and all the respective subject matter experts really will review this particular area and see what can be learnt, what can be improved.
      “It’s a credit to the safety systems that we have as a whole and our entire safety package and the way the FIA has been working through it all over many, many years, that Romain came out relatively — all things considered — unscathed.”
      F1’s managing director, Ross Brawn said that he was shocked to see the car burst into flames and wants to uncover just how Grosjean’s Haas split in two.
      He added: “Seeing Romain jump out of the car was a massive relief.
      “The FIA, working with the team, have to understand the dynamics of what happened in the accident to see if improvements are possible.
      “It was a pretty severe impact and there are limits as to what you’d be able to contain or control.
      “But penetrating the barrier like that has to be understood.
      “It also has to be understood why there was a fire and why the car broke in two.
      “These are the things that the FIA will now take the time to analyse and work out what can be done better.”
      Meanwhile, Grosjean will NOT return to the track at this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix after Haas called-up Brazilian youngster Pietro Fittipaldi.
      Elsewhere, Sebastian Vettel slammed Bahrain’s guardrails after Grosjean’s death-defying crash.

      Romain Grosjean’s helmet visor MELTED in fireball Bahrain GP crash, reveals hero doctor who saved F1 star More

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      F1 star Sebastian Vettel slams Bahrain guardrail for failing in Romain Grosjean’s terrifying fiery crash

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      SEABASTIAN VETTEL has slammed the guardrails at the Bahrain Grand Prix for failing to protect Romain Grosjean during the Swiss star’s terrifying crash.
      Grosjean was taken to hospital after his car smashed through a barrier at 140mph – at a G-force of 53G.

      Grosjean’s car burst into flames after it smashed through a guardrail in BahrainCredit: AP

      Vettel has criticised the guardrail after it not only failed to protect Grosjean but also put him in even more dangerCredit: Rex Features

      The car was sliced into two pieces and burst into flames – with Grosjean trapped in the flaming vehicle for 20 seconds.
      The Haas racer’s life was saved only by his halo device and – despite his helmet MELTING – escaped with only burns to his hands.
      Grosjean is now recovering in hospital after sharing a positive update with his fans on social media.
      But Haas have confirmed he will NOT race at the Sakhir GP despite suggestions he might be ready, with Pietro Fittipaldi taking his seat.

      Now, Vettel has criticised the guardrail – designed to prevent cars from further danger following an accident – after it almost killed Grosjean.
      Vettel told Sky Sports: “I haven’t looked at the images a lot as I didn’t want to, but the main thing is he got out.
      “Obviously the guardrail is not supposed to fail like that.
      “I mean it’s good the cars are safer than they used to be in the past.

      Grosjean reassured fans he is feeling fine despite burns to his handsCredit: Instagram

      Grosjean’s car split in two after his horrifying crash in BahrainCredit: The Mega Agency

      “But the guardrail shouldn’t fail and the car shouldn’t catch fire in that fashion.
      “I don’t know what happened there.
      “I think it’s difficult to say at this stage but the main thing is obviously that he got out.”
      F1 boss Ross Brawn said he ‘clearly did not want to see’ the barrier break as it did and promised a ‘deep investigation’.
      Brawn said: “It’s shocking for everyone in F1 to see an accident of that severity.
      “We’re not used to that, fire being involved as well.
      “But I think it’s a tribute to the work that the FIA and the teams have done over the years.
      “I think we remember the controversy of the halo when it was introduced.
      “And I have to give credit to Jean Todt, because he insisted that it should come through.
      “And I think today, we might be looking at a different situation that we didn’t have the halo.
      “And for me, that’s what prised, and managed to keep the barrier apart, when the car went through it.
      “But I’m sure we’ll have a deep investigation to understand what we can learn from it.
      “Because seeing a barrier split like that is clearly not what we want to see.”

      Romain Grosjean thanks fans for their support from his hospital bed and says he is sort of okay More

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      Romain Grosjean will NOT make F1 return next week in Sakhir GP after fireball crash, with Pietro Fittipaldi in for Haas

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      ROMAIN GROSJEAN will NOT return to the track at this weekend’s Sakhir Grand Prix after Haas called-up Brazilian youngster Pietro Fittipaldi.
      The Swiss racer, 34, was taken to hospital after his car pierced through a crash barrier at 140mph, was sliced in two and burst into a terrifying fireball at the Bahrain GP.

      Grosjean’s car exploded in a horror fireball at Bahrain – but the racer could return in a matter of daysCredit: Getty Images – Getty

      Grosjean gave a positive updated on social media after going to hospitalCredit: Instagram

      Grosjean’s life was only saved by his halo device, and – despite being trapped in the fire for 20 seconds and his helmet MELTING – escaped with only burns on his hands.
      On Sunday night, Grosjean shared an update on his health with his social media followers.
      He wrote: “I wanted to say I am OK. Thank you very much for all the messages.
      “I was not for the halo some years ago but I think it is the greatest thing we have done in Formula One and without it I would not be able to speak to you today.

      “Thanks to all the medical staff at the circuit and hospital and hopefully I can write you some messages.”
      Grosjean will now spend another night in hospital in Bahrain to receive further treatment and his condition monitored as the impact was recorded with a G-force measured at 53G.
      A statement said: “Haas F1 Team driver Romain Grosjean is continuing his convalescence at the Bahrain Defence Force (BDF) hospital having remained there overnight following Sunday’s incident at the Bahrain Grand Prix.
      “Treatment on the burns Grosjean sustained on the back of both his hands is going well.

      Grosjean’s Haas was ripped into two pieces after the horror crashCredit: The Mega Agency

      Haas boss Steiner has revealed Grosjean could race this weekendCredit: Splash News

      “Grosjean was visited by Guenther Steiner, team principal of Haas F1 Team, on Monday and it is anticipated he will be discharged from the care of the hospital on Tuesday 1st December.”
      Later on Monday, Haas later confirmed they had called-up Fittipaldi, 24, to take Grosjean’s place after Steiner met with the Swiss ace.
      Ahead of his hospital visit, Haas chief Steiner had suggested Grosjean could be behind the wheel in Sakhir, Bahrain, THIS weekend.
      Asked if Grosjean would race, Steiner said: “That is his decision.
      “I will not let him interfere with that one. He needs to make that one up for himself. I follow his guidance there.
      “I don’t know how he is tomorrow when the bruises come through and maybe he thinks a little bit more about it.
      “I don’t know what someone is thinking after a thing like this.
      “I don’t want to start to speculate who is going to replace him, and we don’t know if somebody is going to replace him or not.
      “That is the reason why I want to give him a little bit of time to think about it, to give us feedback on what he wants to do, and we go from there.”

      F1 doctor Ian Roberts describes Romain Grosjean’s injuries sustained in fireball Bahrain GP crash
      Steiner continued: “My plan is to go and see him [on Monday], see what is really happening.
      “I didn’t go [to the hospital on Sunday], I just spoke on the telephone with him because we had a lot of stuff to sort out here.
      “I will go there tomorrow morning to speak with him and see what the doctors have got to say and go from there.
      “For sure we have always got a plan in place but at the moment my plan would be, if he is OK, to get [him] back in there in the race in Bahrain next weekend, but we have to wait until [Monday].”
      Steiner also paid tribute to the advancement in F1 safety technology and the medical car for saving Grosjean’s life.
      He added: “It was luck and I think a lot of people did the right thing in the circumstance, starting with him how he got out of the car.
      “I was told that if you watch the video there is a video of the backwards-facing camera which shows how he gets out.
      “So I was very impressed with the medical car, too, how quick they intervened and helped him out and also the marshals who came with the fire extinguisher, how quick they were there.
      “It was quite impressive.
      “I mean, the system obviously worked today. This is just to say a big thank you to these guys.” More