European Union removes Nikita Mazepin from sanctions list
After a recent ruling by the European Union, ex-Haas F1 racer Nikita Mazepin has been removed from the list of individuals facing sanctions due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022.
Previously, Mazepin and his father Dmitry were subjected to restrictive measures, including fund freezing and bans from entering EU territories. This decision came after Mazepin was dropped by Haas just before the 2022 season due to the invasion.
Despite his efforts to be delisted globally, Mazepin remained on sanction lists until now. The EU justified its decision by stating that there was no evidence of ties beyond family links with his father, and the sponsorship from his father’s Uralkali business was no longer relevant after losing his drive at Haas.
The General Court emphasized that associating Mazepin with his father solely based on family ties was unjustified. The court highlighted the lack of specific evidence to establish a link beyond a family relationship.
While Mazepin welcomed the ruling, it is unlikely to impact his return to F1. He expressed gratitude for a fair trial and considered it a significant milestone in his case.
Conclusion:
The European Union’s decision to remove Nikita Mazepin from the sanctions list marks a turning point in his legal battle. Despite the ruling, Mazepin’s future in F1 remains uncertain, but this development is a positive step for the ex-racer.