Exiled Russian driver eyes F1 return – RT Sport News
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Nikita Mazepin remains confident he will secure a Formula 1 seat in the future, several months after being dropped by the Haas team following the start of Russia’s military campaign in Ukraine.
Russian driver Mazepin, 23, was set to start what would have been his second season with the US-based team before they chose to sever ties with him following the military action which led to the introduction of numerous sanctions from the United States and Europe.
The sport’s governing body, the FIA, also took action, saying Russian and Belarusian drivers would be forced to compete under neutral flags, mirroring steps taken by several sporting federations.
The removal of the Russia-based sponsorship deals also meant that Uralkali, the potash fertilizer producer and exporter operated by Mazepin’s father, Dmitry, could no longer continue to fund the team – which was decided made the Nikita’s seat untenable.
Both Mazepins would later be sanctioned by the European Union for their alleged links to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
But even in the face of these obstacles, Mazepin is focused on restarting his F1 career as soon as possible.
« I trust that in the future it will be possible to return“, he said via Sport Express.
« Therefore, I am at the same weight and have kept myself in good physical shape, so if such a challenge arises, I will be able to take advantage of it..”
Mazepin also reportedly signed an official document presented to him by Formula 1 authorities in which he confirmed his opposition to the military action taking place in Ukraine.
However, that was not enough to maintain his relationship with Haas where he raced alongside Mick Schumacher, son of the iconic Michael Schumacher.
« I would like to point out that the FIA authorizes me under certain conditionsMazepin explained further.
« Sport must unite and athletes from different countries must be able to compete with the best. I’ve always been guided by the principle that when you put on a helmet, you don’t have any skin color or belong to any particular state.
« Formula 1 is a private affair, with decisions being made by the teams themselves.
« The best teams are worth billions of dollars and I think one day I will be part of this industry as a businessman, but I’m not going to rush.”
Mazepin also added that he has attracted interest from various other avenues, including IndyCar, but his dream remains to succeed on the Formula 1 calendar.
« I’m not interested in IndycarMazepin said.
« Of course, I can’t say what will happen tomorrow but all my life I wanted to get into Formula 1.
« I got there, but as they say, the appetite comes with eating and I have no doubt what I could do in a competition car.”
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