Former Formula 1 driver Nikita Mazepin expresses his frustration over the stagnation of his racing career in recent years. Following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine in 2022, he was dismissed by Haas in favor of Kevin Magnussen. Moreover, Mazepin was not allowed to leave Russia until the European court ruled in September that he should be removed from the sanctions list.
“After two long years, the court has finally ruled in my favor,” Nikita Mazepin recently wrote on social media. “Of course, I am elated. At the same time, I wonder what it was all for. At a crucial point in my career, I was sanctioned, only to be told later that it was all a colossal mistake.”
Entering a ‘New Phase of Life’
The former Haas driver also found it difficult to watch the current generation of Formula 1 drivers progress in the sport. “It was painful to see Formula 1 evolve and not be a part of it. The fact that the judge ruled in my favor is nice, but it doesn’t change the fact that I can never get back the past few years. For any professional athlete, these years would have been essential.”
The Future of 25-Year-Old Russian Racer
“A new phase of life is beginning for me,” continued Nikita Mazepin. “My dreams are no longer tied to speed and trophies, but to the application of my mind. I’m going to finish my education, work hard, and take good care of myself,” he concluded. In his first and only season, Nikita Mazepin never advanced beyond the fourteenth place. Experts believe he owed his seat to main sponsor Uralkali, his father’s company.
