Former Russian F1 driver Nikita Mazepin back in the European Union
Excluded from Formula 1 since the beginning of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, the driver had to take refuge in other categories of motorsport, outside of Europe. Recently, he got back behind the wheel in Hungary.
Here it is. A little over two years after his exclusion from Formula 1, Nikita Mazepin drove again in Europe. The Russian had been banned from competing on European soil following the invasion of Ukraine by Vladimir Putin’s armies. An exception could have been made for him. He was going to sign a letter to the FIA to race under a neutral banner. But at the last minute, this option was taken away from him.
The son of the oligarch Dmitry Mazepin then disappeared from the radar. Apart from a few interviews here and there, Nikita Mazepin has never really given any news. The former Haas driver has not posted anything on his Twitter account since March 9, 2022.
In June 2022, he participated in the Silk Rally. Then in 2023, he secured a seat at 99 Racing in the Asian Le Mans Series. Onboard his LMP2, he finished third in the 4 Hours of Dubai. He then won in Malaysia, with the same car during the 4 Hours of Sepang. He also achieved the same result at the 4 Hours of Dubai, on February 4th.
Driving a Ferrari in Hungary
On March 20, the Russian was removed from the list of sanctioned individuals following the War in Ukraine. A little over three months after this decision was made by the European Union Court, he rolled on European soil.
The 25-year-old man tested a Ferrari 286 GT3, the same cars entered by the Scuderia in the World Endurance Championship and the 24 Hours of Le Mans. This session took place on the brand new Balton Park track in Hungary.
« I am happy that the EU has recognized that athletes like me, who have no links to politics, should not be subject to sanctions. I hope that all athletes who are currently prevented from participating in international competitions for geopolitical reasons will regain their rightful place within the sports community, he acknowledged.
