PARIS 04 Mar (Online): Russian ex-Formula 1 driver Nikita Bazepin was 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.<\/p>\n
The 23-year-old Mazepin had been racing in the world championship for the Haas team which was financed by the Uralkali company owned by his father Dmitry.<\/p>\n
Both his contract and the title sponsorship of the team were cancelled on the outbreak of the war.<\/p>\n
The European Union’s General Court on Thursday lifted some of the sanctions against Nikita Mazepin, a decision which allows him to travel and attempt to resurrect his career on the continent.<\/p>\n
The EU had sanctioned him as his father’s company had “activity in economic sectors which constitute a substantial source of income” for Russia.<\/p>\n
Thursday’s order still prevents Mazepin from competing for a team which has links either to his father or anyone already sanctioned by the EU.<\/p>\n
“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.<\/p>\n
Mazepin, who has recently been racing in Asia, welcomed the decision by the EU body.<\/p>\n
“I am very happy with this decision which gives me hope to resume my professional career in international motor racing,” he told AFP.<\/p>\n
“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.”<\/p>\n
His legal team told AFP that the order was a “rare” decision.
\nThe 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.<\/p>\n
“He has always maintained a neutral position on the war as a professional athlete,” added the order.<\/p>\n
“He only asks that he be given the opportunity to pursue his career … without the financial support of his father.”<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
PARIS 04 Mar (Online): Russian ex-Formula 1 driver Nikita Bazepin was 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 23-year-old Mazepin had been racing in the world championship […]<\/p>\n
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