Haas says it has handled the matter of Nikita Mazepin’s “abhorrent” video internally and reaffirmed he’ll race for the crew in 2021.

Mazepin, 21, posted a video to his Instagram on Dec. 9 which confirmed him touching a girl at the back of a automobile.

The video was promptly deleted ,however captured and circulated on social media. Haas has handled the matter behind closed doorways and didn’t publicly reveal what measures had been taken.

Wednesday’s assertion additionally rejected any suggestion Mazepin won’t race for the crew subsequent season.

On the day the video was posted, Haas condemned its new signing.

“Haas F1 Crew doesn’t condone the behaviour of Nikita Mazepin within the video not too long ago posted on his social media,” it stated. “Moreover, the actual fact that the video was posted on social media can be abhorrent to Haas F1 Crew. The matter is being handled internally.”

Mazepin, son of Russian billionaire Dmitry Mazepin, has apologised for the contents of the video.

“I want to apologise for my latest actions when it comes to my very own inappropriate behaviour and the truth that it was posted onto social media. I’m sorry for the offence I’ve rightly precipitated and to the embarrassment I’ve dropped at Haas F1 Crew.

“I’ve to carry myself to the next customary as a System 1 driver and I acknowledge I’ve let myself and many individuals down. I promise I’ll be taught from this.”

Mazepin is about to make his debut in F1 subsequent season for Haas alongside Mick Schumacher, making up an all-rookie lineup for the American crew.