Mazepin embraces WeRaceAsOne with cerebral palsy fundraiser

Nikita Mazepin has commenced a charitable push to help children with cerebral palsy in Russia as part of his commitment to F1's WeRaceAsOne initiative.

Haas driver Mazepin is one of a number of drivers who have not used the pre-race 'moment' to kneel for a cause in which he believes in apart from in Spain, where he recognised Russia's victory day.

At his home grand prix in Sochi, Mazepin revealed he would be supporting a cerebral palsy charity, with any funds raised by the public in the fundraising drive doubled by the rookie.

"At the end of last year F1 has done an amazing job with opening up a campaign called WeRaceAsOne and is purpose-driven," said Mazepin.

"Every driver can help when he can feel the issues and the needs he feels need the most addressing.

"One of the things in Russia, which I think is quite big, unfortunately, is cerebral palsy, which needs first education, and then the kids do need funds to do simple things that me and you do in our daily life without questioning it.

"I started working with that foundation and we have made a deal that everything that has been received, all the funds that have been received, I am going to double them at the end of this month.

"That is my first step to help and give something back to society in that respect, but I am sure there will be much more than that coming. I just think it is important that sport is something more than just competing and driving on circuits."

FP3 washout allows Haas visitor special opportunity

Heavy rain in Sochi on Saturday forced the abandonment of FP3 but Mazepin was able to fill the time by inviting a very special guest into the paddock.

"My little friend Makar and his mum were my guests in the team," explained Mazepin.

"Given we had a lot of free time due to the cancelled FP3, I put him in the car.

"First thing he asked me was 'can you ask the people to give me the keys', so he was willing to drive away.

"He is a strong boy who trains even more than me to make sure he is active and able to circulate blood to be able to try and walk at some point."

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