Rogue F1 bad boy makes ultimate faux pas at Bahrain GP qualifying

Russian driver Nikita Mazepin was left red-faced in his Formula 1 qualifying debut after failing to abide by the sport’s “gentlemen’s code”.

Nikita Mazepin didn’t make many friends in Bahrain.

Qualifying at the Bahrain GP was a night to forget for Nikita Mazepin, who came under fire for breaking the “gentlemen’s code”.

Competing for Haas in his F1 qualifying debut, the young Russian driver committed one of the sport’s ultimate faux pas when he overtook competitors on the outlap.

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Commentators were baffled by Mazepin’s decision, which is usually seen as an unsportsmanlike way for drivers to gain an advantage over other racers.

Unfortunately for Mazepin, his devious move didn’t go according to plan, as he spun out for the second time on the track.

“Oh dear, oh no. Mazepin has broken the gentleman’s code of basically, ‘Wait your turn and everyone gets a lap’,” said BBC commentator Jolyon Palmer.

“He’s gone past all the champions into the final corner and then he’s got down to that final corner and spun, causing them to not be able to go fast.

“Way to make yourself public enemy number one on your debut!”

Mazepin has had a weekend to forget.

In a post-race interview, Mazepin claimed not to have been aware of the unspoken rule and blamed a braking issue for his spin.

“I had an issue with brake by wire. I locked up on the rears, I’m not sure why, at Turn 1,” Mazepin explained.

“I was working on trying to sort the brake-by-wire issue, because it’s an electrical issue which can be sorted by steering wheel.

“My team told me there is not enough time to cross the start/finish line if I don’t go now. So I’m obviously the team’s driver, I’m doing as instructed and the instructions were to push – I pushed.

“And to be very honest, I’ve never heard about this agreement before, however, I will take notice from now on.”

Mazepin’s qualifying horror show means he’ll line up in last place on the grid for the main event on Monday morning (AEDT) — hardly the way he would have wanted to start his F1 career.

Mazepin was heavily criticised after a video in which he appeared to grope a woman’s breast surfaced online late last year.

He was reportedly disciplined by his Haas team and apologised for his actions in a press conference.

“I’m not proud of it, I didn’t behave as I meant to behave in Formula 1,” he said in March.

“I have made a huge mistake and taken responsibility for it and I have learned from it. I am looking forward to a clean year ahead.”