A court suspends the sanctions against Nikita Mazepin, who will be able to race in Europe again
Nikita Mazepin had been included on the list of Russian individuals sanctioned by the European Union, just like his father, the oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia.
According to the AFP, the President of the European Union Court issued an order on Wednesday to suspend some of the sanctions imposed on Russian driver Nikita Mazepin in relation to the conflict in Ukraine, in order to allow him to participate in a Formula 1 competition.
This temporary measure has been taken while awaiting a final decision in the case at hand. It allows Nikita Mazepin to travel to the European Union in order to negotiate a contract with a racing team. If his negotiations are successful, he will be authorized to participate in motor racing competitions, including Formula 1, which will take place on European soil.
“I am very happy with this decision, which gives me hope to resume my professional career in international motor racing,” Nikita Mazepin told AFP.
Nikita Mazepin had been dismissed from Haas following the invasion of Ukraine by Russia. In March 2022, he was included on the list of Russian individuals sanctioned by the European Union, along with his father, oligarch Dmitry Mazepin, who is the owner and CEO of the chemical products company Uralchem. The EU’s conclusions state that Dmitry Mazepin operates in economic sectors that are an important source of revenue for Russia. He has also played a central role in his son’s career, providing financial support from his early days in F1, including through the sponsorship of Haas by the Russian group Uralkali. Dmitry Mazepin is a shareholder of this company through Uralchem.
Under neutral flag
But that was without counting on the invasion of Russia in Ukraine in February 2022: Haas had then made the immediate decision to cut ties with the Russians, calling on Danish retiree Kevin Magnussen to replace Mazepin alongside Mick Schumacher.
Note that the decision of the President of the European Union Tribunal does not allow Mazepin to join a team with links to his father or any other person sanctioned by the EU. If Nikita Mazepin finds a team to race for, he must commit to competing under a neutral flag and sign the Drivers’ Code established by the International Automobile Federation accordingly.
