Russian former F1 driver Nikita Mazepin overturns EU ban imposed after invasion

The former Formula One driver Nikita Mazepin has overturned European Union sanctions imposed against him as a response to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. The EU added the 25-year-old Russian to its sanctions list due to his association with his father, Dmitry, an influential businessman who it said was the main sponsor of his son’s activities as a racing driver. It had described Dmitry Mazepin as “a member of the closest circle” of Russian president Vladimir Putin.

But in Wednesday’s ruling, the general court said Mazepin had stopped being a driver for Haas, meaning the EU was wrong to keep him on its sanctions list after he was sacked by the team in March 2022.

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The court said the “association” criterion used in the EU sanctions regime requires the existence of a link going beyond a simple family relationship which it said wasn’t the case after Mazepin’s F1 exit after 21 starts.

“I am hugely encouraged by today’s ruling and grateful to the European Court for a fair trial of my case,” Mazepin said in a statement. “This is certainly a crucial milestone.”

Mazepin has also challenged EU and Canadian sanctions as part of his attempt to return to F1. He is competing in the Asian Le Mans series, racing in the United Arab Emirates and Malaysia.

It is unclear if Mazepin plans to return to F1. Its governing body, the FIA, has said Russian and Belarusian drivers could still take part in competitions in a neutral capacity.