Mazepin takes British F3 win on guest run

European Formula 3 driver and Force India junior Nikita Mazepin took his maiden singleseater victory during a guest appearance in last weekend’s BRDC British Formula Three rounds at Snetterton.

Mazepin was drafted in to fill Carlin’s third seat for the penultimate round of the season, with regular driver Lando Norris prioritising his clashing Formula Renault Northern European Cup event at Assen.

Russian Mazepin, who was involved in a bust-up with Briton Callum Ilott in the European F3 paddock earlier this year, qualified and finished eighth in Saturday’s first race which gave him a reversed grid pole for race two, which he subsequently won.

“I’m still young, so it’s useful for me to make the mileage by racing here,” Mazepin said. “I’ve driven a lot of cars already this year. I think it’s a healthy way of developing yourself as a driver. It is a big day for me [to win]. I started off behind on experience, but this result is really great.”

Norris took a win and a second place at Assen to extend his NEC point lead over French racer Dorian Boccolacci.