Haas commit to future with Nikita Mazepin after internal investigation into sexual assault claims.

Haas F1 team reaffirm that Russian driver Nikita Mazepin will race for the team in 2021 after concluding their investigation into the drivers conduct after a video of the driver surfaced online.

In a clip posted to his personal social media account, Mazepin appeared to inappropriately touch a woman in his car sparking outrage within the F1 community.

Haas F1 later described the video as "abhorrent" but the matter was to be dealt with internally.

However, in a statement released today, Haas confirmed that Mazepin would continue to partner German driver Mick Schumacher next year.

"Haas F1 Team would like to reaffirm that Nikita Mazepin and Mick Schumacher will form its driver line-up for the 2021 FIA Formula 1 world Championship.

"As per the team's previous statement regarding the actions of Nikita Mazepin - this matter has now been dealt with internally and no further comment shall be made."

The 21-year-old deleted the video from his social media and apologised in a statement for his "inappropriate behaviour."

The decision taken by Haas F1 team, has angered many in the F1 community who believe Mazepin should be released, as his behaviour does not merit a seat in the sport.

Hashtag WeSayNoToMazepin has trended on social media since the video surfaced and a petition for Mazepin to be replaced has had over 50,000 signatures since its launch.

F2 commentator and presenter for WTF1 official Matt Gallagher stated via social media:

"I've never been so disappointed in the sport I truly love. What a disgrace. If the FIA don't step in now, then they can throw the #WeRaceAsOne campaign directly in the bin. "

Mazepin finished in fifth place in Formula 2 in 2020 and was announced as a Haas F1 driver for year 2021 and 2022.