Former Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin has overturned EU sanctions imposed on Russia over its invasion of Ukraine. The EU has placed the 25-year-old Russian on its sanctions list because of his links to his father Dmitry, an influential businessman who is said to be the main sponsor of his son’s racing driver activities . It described Dmitry Mazepin as “a member of Russian President Vladimir Putin’s closest circle”.
But in its ruling on Wednesday, the General Court said Mazepin was no longer a driver for Haas, meaning the EU was wrong to keep him on its sanctions list after he was sacked by Haas in March 2022.
The court said the “connection” test used in the EU sanctions regime requires a link beyond simple family ties, which was not the case after Mazepin quit F1 after 21 races.
“I am deeply encouraged by today’s ruling and grateful to the European Court of Justice for granting a fair trial to my case,” Mazepin said in a statement. “This is undoubtedly an important 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 whether Mazepin plans to return to F1. Its governing body, the FIA, said Russian and Belarusian drivers could still compete as neutrals.
