Perez takes on Mazepin: 'Sportsman is not to blame'

Sergio Perez does not think it is fair for sports federations to exclude Russian athletes from events, he has revealed in an interview with Marca. According to the Red Bull Racing driver, they cannot do anything about what Russia President Vladimir Putin decides.

Where the FIA previously decided to remove the Russian Grand Prix from the racing calendar, others want to go even further. For example, it is sounded that Haas might say goodbye to Nikita Mazepin. Although the driver of the American racing stable has no influence on the situation in Ukraine and Russia, the pressure on the athlete would become too great.

In conversation with the Spanish medium, Perez takes up for Mazepin. The Mexican believes that Haas should continue to stand behind the Russian driver. "The Russian athlete is paying for it in a certain way," Perez judges. "I don't agree with that, because I think the sportsman is not to blame for what his president does."

Himself, he is gearing up for his second season at Red Bull. Where he could barely come close to Max Verstappen's performance in 2021, he hopes to do a lot better this season and put the stress of last calendar year behind him.