Motor racing: Russian former F1 driver Mazepin cleared to race in Europe
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Nikita Mazepin has been cleared by the European Union’s General Court to return to motor racing in Europe.
PHOTO: REUTERS
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PARIS – Former Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin of Russia was on Thursday cleared to return to motor racing in Europe, a year after his career was brought to a halt by Moscow’s invasion of Ukraine.
The 24-year-old had been racing in the world championship for the Haas team, who were financed by the Uralkali company owned by his father Dmitry. Both his contract and the title sponsorship of the team were cancelled following the outbreak of the war.
The European Union’s (EU) General Court on Thursday lifted some of the sanctions against Mazepin, a decision which allows him to travel and attempt to resurrect his career on the continent.
The EU had sanctioned him as his father’s company had “activity in economic sectors which constitute a substantial source of income” for Russia.
Thursday’s order still prevents Mazepin from competing for a team who have links either to his father or anyone already sanctioned by the EU.
“In the event of recruitment in F1 or in another motor sport taking place on European territory, Nikita Mazepin must undertake to race under a neutral flag and to sign the commitment of the drivers required by the International Automobile Federation to this effect,” said the declaration.
Mazepin, who has recently been racing in Asia, welcomed the decision by the EU body.
“I am very happy with this decision which gives me hope to resume my professional career in international motor racing,” he said.
“I will do my best to make up for lost time and look forward to rejoin the sport that I love, to which I have dedicated my life.”
His legal team told AFP that the order was a “rare” decision.
The General Court ruled that Mazepin “is in no way involved in the aggression suffered by Ukraine and does not exercise any activity in economic sectors which provide a substantial source of income” to Russia.
“He has always maintained a neutral position on the war as a professional athlete. He only asks that he be given the opportunity to pursue his career... without the financial support of his father,” added the order.
In explaining its decision, the court said that the European Council did not “provide convincing evidence” showing that the former Haas driver “should be considered as still being linked to his father”.
Mazepin endured a tough single campaign in F1, ending the 2021 season in last place out of 21 drivers and without a single point. AFP
