Sky Sports F1 commentator David Croft apologised after making a harsh but humorous dig at former Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin during live coverage of the Austrian Grand Prix. The comment, which referenced Mazepin's notorious reputation for spins and crashes, drew laughter from co-commentator Karun Chandhok and sparked a viral reaction on social media.
What Happened During the Broadcast
During a lull in the on-track action at the Red Bull Ring in Spielberg, Croft explained to viewers why there were numerous black marks on the track surface. He noted that as part of the weekend's entertainment, several 'Red Bull Drift Shows' were scheduled, including a 10-minute demonstration on Friday afternoon and two more on Saturday ahead of final practice and qualifying.
Croft then took a cheeky swipe at Mazepin, saying: "There are a whole load of black marks, you've got it down the main straight as well. It looks like Nikita Mazepin has been doing some demonstrations." The comment prompted Chandhok to reply, "Harsh, Crofty!" to which Croft responded, "Harsh, but fair," while chuckling. He then clarified: "What we've got is a load of drifters this weekend, giving entertainment to the crowd," before adding, "Apologies to Nikita Mazepin, I'm so sorry."
Mazepin's F1 Career and Reputation
Nikita Mazepin raced for Haas in the 2021 Formula 1 season, scoring zero points in 21 races. He was given the seat due to a major sponsorship deal with Uralkali, his oligarch father Dmitry's fertiliser company. Mazepin developed a reputation for frequent spins and crashes, earning the nickname 'Mazespin' among fans. He was due to race in 2022, but Russia's invasion of Ukraine weeks before the season began led to Haas terminating the Uralkali deal and Mazepin's contract.
Social Media Reaction
The clip of Croft's comment went viral on social media. One fan wrote: "Not Mazepin still catching pelters." Another said: "I laughed when Crofty said this, but it's true." A third admitted: "I spat my drink out, it was completely out of nowhere." However, not everyone was amused; one viewer commented: "Quite funny but, in reality, it was pretty unprofessional and disrespectful if we're being honest."
Mazepin's Post-F1 Career
Like his father, Mazepin was sanctioned by the European Union over alleged ties to the Russian government. He won his legal battle at the Court of Justice of the EU in 2024, leading to the sanctions being dropped. He has since competed in rally-raid and GT3 motorsport events, having been allowed to return to international motorsport. Mazepin has stated he will not pursue an F1 return.
